(L-R): Head of Division, Lady Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya, Hon. Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya
On Thursday, the Land Division held a farewell party in honour of its outgoing Head of Division, Lady Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya, who retired last month. The event took place at Fairway Boutique Hotel in Nakasero, Kampala, and was attended by various judicial officers, including Judges, Registrars, and Magistrates Grade One. Also present were support staff.
In her remarks, Lady Justice Rugadya expressed gratitude to the Division for organizing the farewell party, stating that it was the third time in her career that such an event had been organized in her honor. She recalled her first farewell when she left the Electoral Commission to join the Uganda Law Reform Commission in 2002. Her second farewell was when she was joining the Bench after 11 years of service at the Uganda Law Reform Commission. "This time, it is for real," she said, as she bid farewell to both the Bench and public service after 40 years of service.
Reflecting on her journey, Lady Justice Rugadya described her time at the Land Division as an amazing almost eight years, following nearly four years in the Family Division, where she served as Deputy Head. She expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work in the Judiciary, acknowledging how hard it is for lawyers to join the Bench.
She thanked both judicial and non-judicial staff for their support and shared words of encouragement with those just starting their careers. "At a time when a number of you are just starting your careers, believe me, I have also been there and I know the struggles. I will always remember you, my Lords, for having tolerated working with me for this long," she said.
The Outgoing Head also reflected on the nature of her role, acknowledging that her decisions inevitably made both friends and enemies. "I'm leaving behind not only friends and volumes of judgments and rulings in the 12-year period of service at the bench, and for that, I celebrate, but I'm also leaving enemies, I believe. People on whose toes I have stepped on by some of the decisions I have made over the years, not only as a judge, but also as head of division," she added.
As a former literature student, she shared a verse she had memorized, saying it prepared her for the tough years ahead:
"You have no enemies, you say. Alas, my friend, the boast is poor. He who has mingled in the fray of duty that the brave endure must have made some foes. If you have none, then small is the work that you have done. You have hit no cup from pageant lip. You have been a coward in the fight."
Recognizing the impact of her judgments, she extended apologies to those who may have been negatively affected, particularly by eviction orders, but also noted that some may have benefited from her decisions. She urged acceptance of her sincere apologies for any unintended errors in her efforts to
Acknowledging the impact of her decisions, she extended apologies to those who may have been negatively affected, particularly by eviction orders, but also noted that some may have benefited from her decisions. For the unintended mistakes made while attempting to correct what went wrong, she asked for their understanding and offered her sincere apologies.
She thanked the Land Division team for their dedication and acknowledged their efforts in maintaining the Division's integrity. She also reminded them that as a Division, there is still a need to fight the corruption vice attributed to them. As she bows out, she noted that she is learning a lot from lawyers and litigants about issues that, had they been brought to her attention, they would have been handled. She assured them that in the future, if she hears anything about this Division from the outside, she will make it her business to inform the new administration.
The Outgoing Head also noted the changes within the Judiciary, including new leadership and anticipated transfers, and reminded the team that when sailors face a change in the direction of the wind, they adjust the helm and trim the sails. She encouraged them to be the ones who will light up the darkness, no matter what changes may come their way.
She expressed her gratitude to the Judiciary leadership for entrusting her with the Land Division and extended appreciation to her Deputy, now the Acting Head, Justice Asiimwe Tadeo and the Deputy Registrar, HW Natukunda Janeva for their leadership. She also thanked Judges, registers, and support staff for their respect and collaboration. She commended the judges of the Division for being a special breed who can withstand any storm and urged them to continue with the same spirit wherever they may be posted.
She also thanked the support staff, especially the team that was attached to her, for their commitment and support.
"Thank you, my family. Farewell to you, my colleagues, and family. With the parting words, I say, if you want the light to come into your life, you need to stand where it is shining. God bless you," She concluded.
Justice Asiimwe, Acting Head of the Land Division, thanked Justice Rugadya for her leadership, acknowledging the dedication and teamwork that has contributed to the Division's success. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong team, suggesting that the current staff should remain intact for continued progress. Justice Asiimwe also praised the positive performance of the Land Division, noting that reports consistently reflect success.
He highlighted the value of leaders who lead by example, like Justice Rugadya, whose diplomacy set a standard for others. He encouraged everyone to aspire for continuous growth, drawing inspiration from those who have risen through the ranks.
He also thanked the support staff for their contributions to the Division's success. While Justice Rugadya is leaving, he assured that her work with the Division, especially as a mediator, would continue. He wished her the best and expressed gratitude to everyone for their support.
Lady Justice Kazaarwe Olive Mukwaya, Judge at the Land Division and President of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association, recognized Justice Rugadya as the first female Head of the Land Division. She praised her leadership for fostering unity, introducing end-of-year gift exchanges, and ensuring staff received their packages. She also commended her vibrant personality, noting that she brought joy to the Division.
Deputy Registrar HW Natukunda expressed gratitude to the outgoing Head, emphasizing that this was not a farewell, as she remains attached to the Land Division as a mediator. She highlighted the strong bond shared with her and the continued connection the Division would maintain.
The support staff also expressed their gratitude, thanking the outgoing Head for her unwavering support, guidance, and mentorship.
They described her as a mother, mentor, and guardian, someone who had scolded them when needed but also supported and nurtured them. They acknowledged that she had laid a strong foundation for them and would be deeply missed. They promised to cherish the time they spent with her, recognizing her as a truly great and rare mentor.
The event concluded with the presentation of gifts in appreciation of her service and a cake-cutting.
Judges in attendance included Lady Justice Elizabeth Jane Alividza, Lady Justice Immaculate Busingye, Lady Justice Nassuna Flavia Matovu, Justice Namanya Bernard, Lady Justice Nabakooza Flavia,and Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, among others.
Also present were HW Kayondo Kabasinguzi Josephine (Deputy Registrar, Land Division), HW Kagoda Moses S. Ntende, and HW Butanula Rashida (Assistant Registrars, Land Division), along with Magistrates Grade One attached to the Judges' Chambers.
Mr. Amos Ngolobe, a Mediator attached to the Land Division, was also in attendance.
The event was moderated by Mr. Izaabayo Benjamin, Systems Administrator attached to the Land Division.
Posted 6th, March 2025
