During the last four weeks, we worked with Grade I magistrates from around Uganda. We had the opportunity to conduct a similar training session with High Court judges and registrars in 2005.
We were impressed with each individual’s dedication. We were dismayed to learn of the second assault on the Judiciary. Nonetheless, we applaud the Judiciary’s willingness to stand firm in its protection of the bedrock principles of democracy: the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary.
We congratulate the Uganda Law Society for its steadfast support of the Judiciary. We hope that this matter will resolve itself quickly.
Prof. Laurel Currie Oates,
Prof. Mimi Samuel,
Seattle, USA
The film, The Last King of Scotland, has in the recent past put Uganda in the international limelight.
It definitely reminds us of Idi Amin, the dictator who ruled Uganda for eight years in the 1970’s. The film has also provided an opportunity for some people to win a lot fame and prestigious awards.
Needless to say a lot of money was invested in the making of the film and, from the attention the film has attracted, it is logical to conclude that the investors must have reaped a lot of profit.
The film is as fascinating as Uganda’s past and present politics. Uganda’s political history and current affairs are awash with events that can make a gold mine for film makers. Examples abound but we can cite a few here to elucidate the point:
The events that followed the return of Dr Kizza Besigye from exile in 2005, particularly his arrest, the trial for rape and treason, the tear gas in Kampala, the Black Mamba siege of the High Court, the trial of PRA suspects in two courts for the same case, the turning of Generals into judges and all related events.
If one good writer gathered detailed information on this subject a good film would be made out of it. The events that unfolded in the 7th Parliament that culminated in the amendment of the constitution to allow Gen. Yoweri Museveni to run for a third term were also full of drama. They reminded me of Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja’s book, “Uganda - Crisis of Confidence”.
If one gathers information concerning the nominations, the campaigns, the tear gas which was used against the opposition, the killings at Mengo, the violence in Bugweri county, the behavour of some Presidential Assistantson election day, the manner in which results were released, the petition against the results and the decision of court in which the judges agreed that the elections were not free and fair but upheld the results.
These and many other political events in Uganda can make our country fertile ground for film makers.
Waiswa Muzawalu,
USA
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