Chief Justice proposes a ban on use of cameras in court

The Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe, has expressed concern on the conduct of some lawyers in court noting that some aim at gaining cheap popularity due to the presence of cameras in court.  He said that the judiciary is in discussions to decide whether cameras should be allowed in courts  and around its premises.  “We should start having conversation in this country about the presence of the media particularly cameras in the courts rooms. In other jurisdictions, cameras are allowed in the courtrooms,” he said.  He made the remarks during the presentation of proposed legal reforms before a special committee of Parliament on Thursday.  He said many times lawyers have turned to the media instead of handling cases brought to them.  His remarks come shortly after Grade 1 Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu was hit with a water bottle while presiding over Dr Stella Nyanzi’s case last week.  He also said that artistes are restricted from making sketches of what is taking place in the courtroom.  He said that he has noticed that while in court some lawyers and witnesses do not address the court but seek attention from the media.