The Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo is officiated the First Ever Judiciary Prayer and Thanksgiving Breakfast this morning Friday 29th November 2024.
Present were Judicial Officers at all court levels, senior Judiciary administrators led by the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr Pius Bigirimana, representatives from different Administration of Justice institutions as well as Civil Society Organisations. The Director of Programmes was HW Sarah Langa Siu, the Chief Registrar.
The guest preacher at the ceremony was Bishop Joshua Lwere. Also present; Rev Gillian Okello, Pastor Brian Damba, Rev Denis Kakatoma from Mukono, Pastor Deo Musoke, Pastor Philemon Simbwa among other members of the clergy.
Pastor Brian Damba led the opening prayers and thanked God for the lives of the Judicial Officers and for putting them in the position to dispense Justice.
Justice Henry Isabirye Kawesa, shared his testimony. He said they are so happy today that as the Judiciary they are not gathering because of titles but to praise God.
He narrated that when he had just joined the law school, he was told that one can't be a Lawyer and then be a Christian that the two can't meet. He said today ,they have many lawyers not only practicing law but they are also believers.
He said they now have people who are not only believers but are also thriving in law practice.
Justice Kawesa thanked God because of the magnificent buildings hosting Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, a place that was previously gardens. Adding that the Judiciary has come from far, right from having small numbers and to increased numbers of Judicial Officers and other personnel.
He said that the relationship between the lower bench members and higher bench has also improved.
He thanked the Chief Registrar and the leaders behind the Judiciary Christian Fellowship that has seen regular fellowships as well as retreats.
Bishop Lwere preached that they as human beings, the Judicial officers also have to do three things including, thanksgiving, Praise and Worship in order to have a good relationship with God. He said without Thanksgiving first, it is like shouting when you are not being heard.
Bishop Lwere said as Judicial Officers, they walk through courts with praise to God and then praise God for His greatness and worship him for his Holiness.
He relied on the key verse of Micah 4:8 which states that He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
He shared key principles about Justice and said God is the Supreme Judge of all the Universe. He said the Lord is the Judge, Law giver and King derived from Isaiah 33:22
He said the second principle is that Judicial Officers are servants of God first.
This, he said, is affirmed by the National Motto: For God (First) and My Country (Second)