"Even in the face of the challenges, the Judiciary has stood firm in many instances. It has ruled on behalf of the people, not the powerful. It has protected the socio-economic well-being of citizens, even when such decisions have angered those in power," she said.
She said the fight for judiciary independence is not simply about safeguarding the courts, but about safeguarding democracy itself.
"A judiciary that cannot stand apart from political influence cannot protect the rights of the most vulnerable. A judiciary that is morally polluted cannot deliver justice to anyone," she added.
Justice Wanjala tipped colleagues on handling presidential petitions to focus on case management, to frame issues early, publicize the issues and proceedings, and push parties to state their claims.
"Technology is increasingly becoming an enabler of justice. What is important right now is to guard against use of technology as a saboteur of electoral justice," Dr. Wanjala advised.
Uganda's Supreme Court Judge Justice (Prof) Lilian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza urged colleagues to earn executive respect by standing firm with the law, and avoiding bootlicking the executive.
"The executive respects you when you are independent. If you think that bootlicking is what will earn you respect then you are terribly mistaken," she said, to a wild applause.
Justice (Prof) Oagile Key Dingake, a Judge of Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea called for closer collaboration between judiciary, civil society and media. Justice Dingake who also sits at the Special Court for Sierra Leone asked judges to stand together in times of assault of independence.
"I saw Justice Maraga addressing a very lonely press conference, and vowing to defend rule of law with his blood. I was far away, but I knew he had planted a seed," he said.
During the opening session, judges discussed the importance of demystifying their place in society, importance of judges calling out colleagues when in the wrong, and importance of getting it right in selection of judges.