Always Respect Court Rulings, Katurebe tells State

By Serestino Tusingwire

The Chief Justice Bart Katureebe has called for the respect of the principle of the independence of the judiciary and separation of powers.

Katureebe, who was joined by the Speaker and the Vice President at the opening of the new law year warned against the current practice of re-arresting suspects around the precincts of courts.

“The recent re-arrest of suspects in the precincts of courts, yet again by some elements in security forces under the guise of charging suspects with additional charges, is a sad reminder that more still need to be done to instill the rule of law in institutions charged with keeping law and order.” Katurebe said.

He described the act, which has become commonplace in relation to political trials, as a reminder of some of the worst practices of past regimes.

However, Justice and constitutional affairs minister Kahinda Otafiire insisted that the state will continue to arrest people whom they have true reasons and charges to bring against.

“That we shouldn’t arrest you for stealing an elephant yet you have received bail for stealing a sheep; that is not correct.” Kahinda said.

This comes on the heels of the recent incident where the Rwenzururu king, Charles Wesley Mumbere was re-arrested outside the court moments after he had been granted bail.