Through the PIL Compendium and JSC Debate

As we marked 30 years of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution on October 7th and 8th, 2025, I, Pheona Nabasa Wall, was deeply honored to witness and contribute to two pivotal events that reinvigorated our commitment to constitutionalism: the launch of a historic compendium of landmark public interest litigation cases and the Uganda Law Society (ULS) Judicial Service Commission (JSC) candidates’ debate.

These moments, coinciding with the Constitution’s anniversary, sparked robust conversations about judicial independence and the enduring power of our constitutional framework.

The compendium, unveiled on 7th October, is a testament to the Constitution’s role as a living tool for justice. It chronicles landmark public interest litigation cases that have shaped Uganda’s legal landscape, advancing social justice and protecting rights against challenges like impunity and selective enforcement.

Its launch fostered a healthy, reflective debate, urging us to assess whether we are truly upholding the Constitution’s principles or allowing setbacks—such as restrictions on assembly rights under the Public Order Management Act—to undermine its promise.

This dialogue reminded us that the Constitution is not a relic but a call to action, demanding active stewardship to bridge the gap between its ideals and reality.

Complementing this, the ULS JSC candidates’ debate enriched conversations on judicial independence, a cornerstone of constitutionalism. As a candidate for the JSC—a body enshrined in Article 146 of the Constitution to advise on judicial appointments and discipline—I joined my peers in discussing how to strengthen the judiciary against threats like political influence and ensure it serves justice, not power.

We tackled pressing issues, from how recruitments are conducted, lazy jurisprudence, backlog, and the need for public involvement in judicial matters.

The JSC debate, held ahead of the October 18, 2025, ULS polls, underscored the JSC’s critical function in appointing judges of integrity, ensuring the Constitution’s vision endures.

The compendium and JSC debate are deeply intertwined: the former celebrates past victories in defending constitutional rights, while the latter charts the path forward by prioritizing judicial independence. Together, they inspire us to renew our commitment to a Constitution that lives through action, not just words.

As Pheona Nabasa Wall, I humbly seek your support in the ULS JSC elections on November 18, 2025, by 2:00 PM. With my proven dedication to public interest law, I pledge to champion a judiciary that upholds our Constitution’s promise.

Vote for me, and let’s build a future of justice and accountability.

Vote Well, Vote Wall!

Pheona N. Wall