The Ben Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture has become a fixture on Uganda’s legal calendar, drawing participants from various corners of the legal community, including judges, lawyers, scholars, and government officials.

This year’s event, held on September 21, 2023, under the theme Judicial Accountability, Transparency, and the Rule of Law, served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the late Ben Kiwanuka, a revered figure in Uganda’s legal history.

The event which was graced by the former Premier Ruhakana Rugunda, who represented President Museveni as the Chief Guest, and the keynote address delivered by MP Jotham Tumwesigye, affirmed the importance of judicial accountability and transparency in upholding the rule of law.

Rugunda, in his opening remarks, highlighted the role of the judiciary in preserving the democratic fabric of the nation.

“The judiciary, as the guardian of justice, must be accountable and transparent to ensure the public’s trust and confidence in its decisions and processes. Today, we remember Ben Kiwanuka, a beacon of these principles,” he said.

Justice Tumwesigye who was a judge of the Supreme Court since 2009, stated that, judicial accountability and transparency are essential components of a just and democratic society, adding that, judicial institutions must be held to the highest standards of integrity and openness to maintain public trust.

He said that the lecture serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done in their pursuit of a fair and just legal system.

Justice Tumwesigye emphasized that Kiwanuka had been kidnapped in broad daylight within the chambers and subsequently killed, with his body never being recovered.

“We commemorate his memory in the name of human rights, justice, and the rule of law. The citizens of Uganda must collectively strive to prevent such heinous acts from recurring within our nation,” he noted.

He emphasized that, the absence of rule of law can lead to chaos and oppression, with the most vulnerable and marginalized segments of society bearing the brunt of suffering.

In his communication, the Chief Justice, HW Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo acknowledged the late as having been the first Ugandan to be appointed as a chief justice in Uganda on September 21, 1972.

He said that, the memorial lecture is a platform for reflecting on the principles Kiwanuka championed during his lifetime, particularly his unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law.

The Ben Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture not only provides an opportunity for intellectual discourse but also fosters unity among legal professionals and reinforces the commitment to the principles that guided Ben Kiwanuka in his lifetime.

This annual event continues to serve as a living tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the betterment of Uganda’s legal system and its enduring values of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.