The Judiciary has honoured retired Judicial and non-Judicial Officers for their distinguished service to the administration of justice, at a retirees' dinner held yesterday at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala.
Presiding over the ceremony, the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, who represented the Chief Justice, hailed the retirees for their dedication and integrity, noting that they leave behind a lasting legacy of experience, institutional memory and jurisprudence that will guide future generations.
"Congratulations upon retiring honourably into private life. You have worked hard to earn this prestigious status. As the Judiciary, we remain indebted to you, and your good works will continue to speak beyond generations," Justice Dr. Zeija said.
He commended the Judiciary for recognising both Judicial and non-Judicial Officers, emphasising that justice delivery is a collective effort in which every officer plays a critical role. He also observed that not all public servants live to see retirement, encouraging the honourees to consider themselves fortunate.
On life after retirement, the Deputy Chief Justice encouraged retirees, especially former Judicial Officers, to support the Judiciary’s expanding Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programme, including mediation, arbitration, reconciliation and plea bargaining, noting that these mechanisms benefit greatly from experienced and respected professionals.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Richard Buteera thanked the Judiciary leadership for institutionalising a culture of appreciating retiring officers. He observed that judicial work often attracts little public gratitude, yet officers derive fulfilment from faithfully discharging their constitutional duty.
Justice Buteera also commended the Judiciary's reforms, particularly the growth of mediation, which he said has helped restore relationships, reduce appeals and improve public confidence in the justice system. He urged retirees to remain ambassadors of the Judiciary wherever they go.
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described the dinner as ad eliberate pause to honour officers whose service strengthened the administration of justice. She noted that while Judicial Officers make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions, non-Judicial staff provide indispensable support that makes justice accessible to court users.
"The legacy of our retirees is reflected not only in law reports, but in disputes resolved, rights protected and institutions strengthened," she said.
The Permanent Secretary / Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, thanked both retired and serving officers for their contribution, likening the Judiciary to an engine whose many parts must work together. He highlighted key achievements, including improved case disposal, recruitment of staff, rollout of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), expansion of ADR, improved infrastructure and ongoing digital transformation.
Dr. Bigirimana encouraged officers to plan early for retirement and congratulated Justice Buteera on his election to the United Nations Appeals Tribunal, describing it as a blessing to both the individual and the country.
The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, noted that the retirees served at different levels and in diverse capacities, but were united by a shared commitment to the rule of law and service to the people.
Retired officers were presented with certificates and gifts in recognition of their service. Among those honoured were Justice Richard Buteera, Lady Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya, former Head of the Land Division, and Lady Justice Henrietta Wolayo, former Resident Judge of Luwero.
The event was attended by serving and retired Judicial Officers, Judiciary administrators, support staff, family members and well-wishers, and was moderated by HW Olupot Pascal, Magistrate Grade I, assisted by Mr. Apuuli Babigumira, Public Speaking Coach.
Posted 16th, December 2025
