Dr Zahara Nampewo, the deputy principal of Makerere University's School of Law, has criticised the recent court decision that upheld the closed-door vetting of presidential nominees by Parliament.

Speaking at the seventh Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture in Kampala, Dr Nampewo expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the process, questioning how such a ruling could be made in a democratic society where openness is essential.

“I’m seeing a rise in judicial conservatism. The Constitutional Court’s decision to approve secretive vetting by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee undermines the promotion of transparency and accountability," she said.

She further emphasised that the ruling obstructs the public’s access to timely and accurate information about the vetting process.

“Were there any exceptional circumstances permitted by the Constitution to justify this exclusion of the public in a democratic society?” she questioned.

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