By Martha Nakimuli

Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki has lamented that the judiciary was ranked  as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country according to the East African Bribery Index report 2012.Odoki says there is a lot of corruption  in lower courts across the country   where  in some cases ,officers legal officers openly ask for bribes from clients .

The Chief Justice  was speaking at the 15th Annual Judges Conference in Kampala which was officially opened yesterday and  closes on Wednesday. He called for the end of the vice in courts  to ensure efficient administration of justice to Ugandans.

According to the East African Bribery Index report 2012 by Transparency International Uganda emerged the country with the highest levels of bribery in East Africa.The report showed the  Uganda Police  on top of the list of bribery-prone institutions. The judiciary and land services followed  in that order.

Meanwhile Justice Odoki  also called upon government to reconsider the salaries  of Judges since the cost of living is continuously going up .

Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki

“The cost of living is so high that the little the judicial officers get is easily eroded by inflation such that they are not able to meet their basic requirements yet they are restricted from carrying out any other business.” Odoki added

Vice-President Edward Ssekandi who graced the  conference   in response to the judges call promised pressure government respond accordingly.

“I would like to state that the government is taking up these challenges and is working out appropriate solutions to address these challenges. I will follow up on these matters to ensure that they are implemented…” said Mr Ssekandi.