While attending one of the historical Presidential debate meetings, our reporter LYN TUKEI had a chance to interview Justice James Ogoola. Ogoola is the former principal Judge of the high Court of Uganda and the justice of the COMESA court of justice in Lusaka, Zambia. Currently, he is the chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission of Uganda.

I’m happy to meet you, justice Ogoola! How are you?

I’m fine and happy to meet you too, Lyn.   

You are a lawyer by profession: was studying law your choice and how did you get there?

It was totally my choice and how I got there was quite interesting. That was the time Uganda had just attained its independence. Before that, colonial masters were not allowing people to study law, economics and so on because they wanted to continue with their harsh colonial policies without being questioned; but after transition we were able to study in order to confront the colonialists.

Which university did you attend?

I went to the University of East Africa, Dar-es- Salaam campus where all people doing law that time studied.

What kind of student were you?

(Poses and thinks deeply)

I was a middle student really. I was a member of various clubs; and also did some politicking.

Did you engage in relationships or love affairs while at campus?

I tried but I think they rejected me. (We both heartily laugh out).Anyway, I was not so much of the social type.

How do you view the law society in Uganda?

It is a revolution. There are so many lawyers in the country which is good. We need passionate lawyers in all aspects. For example; sports, politics, research and others, not all lawyers for example in Europe end up in courts of law: lawyers need to specialize in what they can do best. On the other hand, I see Uganda is over subscribing lawyers in the making. It should be about the quality not quantity because at the end of the day, lectures need to give attention to each one of the law students which is impossible is it is a large number. Marking for instance shouldn't become a challenge to lecturers. Also I've noted ethics and standards seem to be dropping. Law is now below the bar unlike it was then.

How could you spent your free time while at campus? 

Sports! I was captain of tennis and hockey teams. I remember travelling to Makerere toCompete. (Smiles) Dar-es-salaam Campus was brand new then. Students’ body was different, most of our lecturers were from abroad (Canada and the other parts of Africa).The most remarkable thing was the academic atmosphere. Everyone was to be to the left of everyone else (socialism). We used to have small discussions outside academia. Generally, all that was is memorable.

Travelling all the way from Uganda to Tanzania: wasn’t it hectic?

Not really. We came furthest, some from Masaka. it was just an adventure. The roads and buses of then ain't the same of course but it was fun. The current vice president and others came from Uganda; we were quite a large number including law students from Ghana. We had common services including one currency; it was such a cosmopolitan time. I belong everywhere. I have friends from all over east Africa.

A word to campus students

Do your very best in your academics. The world is a tough nut to crack. Absorb as much as you can. Not only in your area of study but elsewhere. Read for pleasure, even beyond the text book. Do a lot of reading! School is key; skills acquired from school cannot be got anywhere else.