The chief justice, Bart Katureebe has condemned acts of hooliganism that took place at Buganda Road Magistrate's Court, yesterday. An unknown person hurled a water bottle at Magistrate Grade One Gladys Kamasanyu, as she delivered her ruling in a case against former Makerere University researcher and social activist, Dr. Stella Nyanzi.

In response, Justice Katureebe has described those behind the assault as uncivilized, offensive and disrespectful of the sanctity of the courts.

“This kind of thing is not acceptable…we condemn this kind of hooliganism in the strongest possible terms. We hope the culprits are quickly identified and brought to book,” Katureebe says.

The chief justice says they are working with relevant authorities to ensure that there is adequate security for all judicial officers.

“I have already asked the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to raise the matter of Court security as a matter of urgency in Cabinet.” He adds.

The Judiciary’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Pius Bigirimana, also expressed his concern at the assault of a magistrate, saying that judicial officers must be protected, as they perform their duties.

The Chief Registrar, Ms. Esta Nambayo, has now advised those still aggrieved by Kamasanyu’s ruling to appeal in court, instead of engaging in violence.

“The law gives dissatisfied parties a right to appeal any judicial decision up to the Supreme Court, we know that Her Worship Kamasanyu dutifully played her part in the case of Dr. Nyanzi,” She says.