DCJ Opens Inaugural Justice Kakuru Memorial Lecture in Honor of a Life of Integrity, Service
(L-R): Hon. Justice Chibiita, Hon. Justice Dr. Zeija (DCJ) , the late Justice's daughters at the inaugural memorial lecture in honour of the late Justice Kenneth Kakuru
The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, yesterday officially opened the inaugural memorial lecture in honour of the late Justice Kenneth Kakuru at the Law Development Centre (LDC)main auditorium in Kampala.
The Late Justice Kakuru was a Justice of the Court of Appeal when he passed away in 2023.
The event was organised by the Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity (UCLF) and was followed by the relaunch of Justice Kakuru's book titled: "LEST WE FORGET"
Speaking at the event, Justice Dr. Zeija recalled first meeting the Late Justice Kakuru during his time as Resident Judge Mbarara High Court Circuit, where Justice Kakuru visited unannounced and praised the Court's organization, marking the beginning of their friendship.
He described Justice Kakuru as a jurist of rare moral strength, known for his integrity, constitutional focus, and independent mind.
Dr. Zeija highlighted the Late Justice Kakuru's notable dissent in the presidential age-limit case, viewing it not just as a legal position but as a strong stand to protect the Constitution for future generations.
He emphasized the Late Justice Kakuru's ability to combine serious legal reasoning with sharp satire and humour. He also referenced one of Kakuru's remarks in the age-limit case, noting that behind the satire lay powerful legal truth and a constitutional warning.
Dr. Zeija also acknowledged the late Justice Kakuru's significant role in the UCLF, where he mentored others and promoted legal professionalism grounded in Christian faith and ethics.
He noted that Justice Kakuru's legacy is a call to all legal professionals to uphold justice, live with moral courage, and protect the Constitution. He also urged the audience to continue in the spirit of what Justice Kakuru stood for: judicial integrity, reverence for God, and fearlessness in principle.
Justice Mike Chibita (Justice of the Supreme Court and patron UCLF), paid tribute to the late Justice Kenneth Kakuru for his lasting impact on Uganda's legal and Christian legal communities.
He noted that Justice Kakuru was among the first UCLF members to attend the inaugural Advocates Africa Conference in 1998, which eventually became a regular continental event.
Justice Chibita recalled that in 2001, when he was UCLF President, the late Justice Kakuru attended the Advocates International Conference in the U.S. and, upon return, began actively working with Justice Chibita and Ms. Caroline Idembe to build UCLF into a legal aid organization serving the vulnerable.
He noted that Justice Kakuru suggested UCLF's motto, taken from Proverbs 31:9 (NIV): "Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
"I am delighted that 24 years later, this is still the UCLF motto, and that UCLF is not just still standing but standing stronger, defending the poor and fighting for the underprivileged," he stated.
Justice Chibita also noted that the Late Justice Kakuru designed UCLF's initial logo until it was rebranded. He also paid for UCLF's first official stamp and was the organisation's main financial supporter in its early years.
He further recalled that it was Justice Kakuru who proposed renaming UCLF from "Fellowship" to "Fraternity" to shift the focus from solely spiritual gatherings to also include defending the poor in court. That vision led to UCLF's registration in 2005 as a legal aid provider.
Justice Chibita described Kakuru as a judge of integrity and conviction, known for his lone dissent in the Age Limit case, where he defended the Constitution as a tool for the people. He said Kakuru believed legal practice should reflect Christian values of justice, mercy, and truth, and always pushed UCLF to uphold them.
He urged the legal community to honour Justice Kakuru's legacy by remaining faithful to the Constitution, defending the vulnerable, and upholding truth and justice with courage.
Delivering a keynote speech, Dr. Willy Mutunga (Chief Justice Emeritus of the Republic of Kenya) celebrated Justice Kakuru's legacy, highlighting his unwavering commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law. He urged continued dedication to living out Justice Kakuru's values and advancing the causes he championed.
Dr. Mutunga also emphasized the importance of not merely remembering this legacy but actively upholding it.
In her remarks, Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra Kalyegira (Director of LDC), reflected on the significance of holding the first memorial lecture for Justice Kakuru, whom she described as a principled, hardworking, and approachable lawyer. She recalled her early professional encounters with him as a young lawyer, admiring his rare combination of seniority and friendliness.
She noted the late justice's deep belief in fairness and excellence. She expressed how proud she was to host the event at LDC, an institution closely tied to his legacy of ethics and mentorship.
Speaking at the same event, Dr. Anthony Kakooza (Director of UCLF), noted that Justice Kakuru's legacy lived on in the lives he influenced. He emphasized how Justice Kakuru cultivated moral values and integrity in those he mentored.
Counsel Samantha Atukunda, daughter of the late Justice Kakuru, noted that remembering someone like her father brings about "humility and helps acknowledge the influence others have had on our lives." She encouraged the audience to embrace the moment of remembrance as an opportunity to honour his contribution to the legal field and to their individual journeys.
During the event, there was a presentation titled: The Critical Role of Lawyers in Fostering the Rule of Law, Constitutionalism, and Good Governance: Lessons from the Work of Justice Kakuru, delivered by Prof. Mbazira Christopher, Law Don, School of Law, Makerere University.
The event was attended by across-section of the legal fraternity, including judicial officers in various capacities, law students, and academicians, as well as members of the late Justice Kakuru's family.
Notably present; Justice Madrama Izama Christopher (Justice of the Supreme Court), Lady Justice Deepa Verma(Resident Judge Mpigi), and HW Harriet Ssali (Registrar Special Duties).
They were joined by members of the legal fraternity as well as family and family and friends.
The event was moderated by HW Ereemye Jumire James Mawanda (Judiciary's Public Relations Officer) and Dr. Daniel Ruhweza from the School of Law at Makerere University.
Posted 10th, July 2025
