Acting CJ Kavuma Backs Move to Rise Retirement Age

Justice Steven Kavuma, the acting Chief Justice has backed the proposal to raise the retirement age of public officers from 60 to 75, saying as one gets older, they get wiser.

Justice Kavuma who assumed the role of the Acting Chief Justice recently, gave his views on behalf of the Judiciary by saying he would not mind supporting the campaign to amend the constitution to raise the retirement age.

Mr Kavuma’s remarks come just a day after Bufumbira East MP (NRM), Eddie Kwizera, stunned the nation after he proposed to table either a private member’s Bill or motion to amend the constitution to rise the retirement age from 60 to 75.

MP Kwizera’s proposal drew mixed reactions from the opposition MPs and the civil society with some suggesting that Mr Kwizera was fueling the latest plan by President Museveni to hang onto power and recycle old servants loyal to his regime.

However, the MP said his proposal was based on on teh position of research and had nothing to do with politics.

Justice Kavuma who is also the Acting Deputy Chief Justice, explained that the exceptional circumstances should be when the retiring public officer, voluntarily refuses to take up the offer, sick or has a bad record of integrity to be allowed to retire at 60.

Mr Kavuma was speaking to the media shortly after attending the induction course of the new judges in induction.

Apparently, the Constitution provides that Chief Justice, Supreme Court judges, and Court of Appeal Judges retire at 70 years. Those of High Court and public service, retire at 60.

Mr Kavuma’s views come at the time when it’s rumored that the appointing authority (President Museveni), was considering offering out-going Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki a contract.

Mr Odoki officially retired on March 23, before serving out his three months extension period that also ended on June 23.