President Yoweri Museveni attacked the late dictator Idi Amin for kidnapping and killing Uganda’s first Chief Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka in 1972.

Museveni stated that it was disheartening for Amin to kill Kiwanuka, who was one of the most brilliant civil servants in Uganda at that time.

He made the remarks during the Benedicto Kiwanuka memorial lecture in Kampala on Thursday, September 21.

“If the Chief Justice could be dragged from his office and executed in broad daylight, what about the fate of ordinary citizens under the bloody regime of Amin,” Museveni stated.

“Benedicto Kiwanuka was a highly qualified lawyer and an experienced political leader,” he added.

Apart from being the first Chief Justice, he also served as a chief minister and a leader of the Democratic Party.

The Ugandan president noted that it was so sad that Amin could kill such a talented lawyer who would have helped a great deal in transforming the country.

He added that even though both Amin and Kiwanuka died, Kiwanuka will be celebrated for his input in the legal and political arena while Amin will be remembered as a murderer.

“After their death, Kiwanuka’s legacy stands out for defending the truth and justice while Idi Amin will be associated with shame and murder,” Museveni noted.

Call for peace and dialogue

On the other hand, Uganda’s current Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo emphasized on the need for dialogue in resolving disputes in the country.

“Let us choose peace, speak peace whenever we are confronted with issues, it is the best way to enhance harmony in our country,” he said.

On his part, the president of Uganda’s Law Society Bernard Oundo called on legal practitioners to carry out their duties transparently.

“If we don’t have transparent processes, we may continue to appoint Judges and Magistrates in an acting capacity, which may also lead to acting judgements,” Oundo pointed out.