JUDICIARY Latest Features

Earlier in the day, Lady Justice Eva K. Luswata hosted Justices of the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court, led by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, for a quarterly luncheon at her home in Kyanja, Kampala. The luncheon aimed to strengthen collegiality and foster relationships beyond the formal court environment.

The luncheon brought together Justices, Registrars, Magistrates and non-judicial staff attached to the Court of Appeal in an informal setting that encouraged interaction, mentorship and reflection on the Court’s work.

The Deputy Chief Justice thanked Lady Justice Luswata and her family for hosting the gathering and commended the Justices and staff for attending.

He also acknowledged Lady Justice Luswata’s mother, who was present at the luncheon, for her longstanding service to the church and community. He noted that she had taught children through Sunday school for more than 40 years and remained active in church activities.

Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Justice of the Court of Appeal and Court Administrator, said such gatherings enable colleagues to know one another beyond the formal court setting.

“One of the good things about these home hospitalities is you really get to know a few things which you would not ordinarily know,” he observed.

Justice Kiryabwire emphasised that setting aside judicial formalities and hierarchies from time to time helps foster a sense of family and allows colleagues to interact more freely.

He traced the home hospitality initiative to former Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Richard Buteera, whom he said was the first to invite Court of Appeal Justices to his home in Muyenga. He added that former Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, later encouraged and advanced the initiative.

Justice Kiryabwire thanked Lady Justice Luswata for continuing the tradition and opening her home to the Justices and staff.

In her remarks, Lady Justice Luswata said the event was held under the theme, “Win-Win Zone,” which captured the mutual benefits of a collegial working environment. She explained that while younger judicial officers can learn from senior colleagues, senior members of the Court can also benefit from the ideas and perspectives of their juniors.

She encouraged younger judicial and non-judicial staff to seek mentorship from Justices and other senior colleagues.

She noted that the Court’s open and collegial environment supports professional growth and the development of meaningful relationships.

“You are lucky to be in a court where you are able to talk to us, older Judges, quite freely. I invite you to do so. I invite you to find mentors,” she said.

Sharing her own experience, Lady Justice Luswata said she is mentored by Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja and that their relationship has developed into a lasting friendship because she remained open to guidance.

“So please, hope with somebody. You never know where it will get you, especially when you are with those who are ready to do so,” she said.

Lady Justice Luswata also linked the theme of the luncheon to mediation, which she described as an important aspect of the Court’s work.

She recalled that she first encountered mediation while serving as a High Court Judge in Jinja, where she was initially sceptical about its effectiveness. Her elevation to the Court of Appeal enabled her to experience mediation in practice and embrace it as an important means of resolving disputes.

“For me, it has been a journey. It is saving us time. It is making people realise that litigation sometimes is not the answer to everything,” she said.

She added that mediation not only helps address case backlogs and resolve disputes involving billions of shillings, but can also restore relationships, particularly in family disputes.

Lady Justice Luswata encouraged members of the Court to support mediation by learning more about the process and developing the skills necessary to facilitate the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Among those in attendance were Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja, Justice Christopher Gashirabake, Justice Oscar Kihika, Justice Dr. Asa Mugenyi, Justice Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema, Lady Justice Cornelia Kakooza Sabiiti, Justice Musa Ssekaana, Lady Justice Esta Nambayo and Lady Justice Stella Alibateese.

Also present were HW Janeva Natukunda and HW Jane Mugala, Deputy Registrars of the Court of Appeal; Magistrates attached to the Justices; non-judicial staff attached to the Court of Appeal; and Lady Justice Luswata’s family members and friends.

The gathering concluded with cake cutting, warm interactions and merry-making, reflecting the spirit of collegiality and togetherness that characterised the occasion.

The luncheon was moderated by HW Mulalira Faisal Umar, Private Legal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Justice, and HW Mwanja Brian, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Chief Justice.