Africa-Press – Uganda. At least 85 judicial officers and support staff have retired from the Judiciary, marking the end of decades of dedicated service and leaving staffing gaps that could impact justice delivery.
The retirees include judges, magistrates, administrative staff, and other personnel who have been instrumental in the functioning of the courts.
The group of retirees features prominent figures such as former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, High Court Judge Lady Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya, Lady Justice Henrietta Wolayo, and several magistrates and administrative officers across the country.
They were honoured at the Judiciary’s Retirees Dinner on Tuesday night at the Supreme Court in Kampala.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, former Justice Buteera described the occasion as one of gratitude and reflection.
He emphasized that the Judiciary’s work extends beyond judges and magistrates to include clerks, secretaries, drivers, cleaners, and other support staff whose contributions are vital to justice delivery.
Buteera noted that the Judiciary has undergone significant transformation in professionalism and working conditions, enabling officers to retire with dignity and an improved quality of life.
He urged retirees to continue upholding the institution’s values and serve as ambassadors of justice in their communities.
Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, representing Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, commended the retirees for their dedication and resilience, highlighting the challenges of working under pressure and public scrutiny.
He encouraged them to enjoy retirement, maintain good health, and share their experience with younger officers.
“Retirement should be seen as an honourable transition rather than an abrupt end to service,” he said.
Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo described the retirees as individuals who devoted the best years of their lives to justice, noting that judicial decisions shape families, communities, and society.
She also acknowledged the crucial role of support staff in ensuring courts run smoothly, calling retirement a transition to legacy.
Permanent Secretary to the Judiciary Pius Bigirimana thanked the retirees for their contributions, citing recent institutional achievements including the construction of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court building, improved case disposal rates, expanded court infrastructure, and ongoing digital transformation.
He encouraged retirees to consider consultancy, business ventures, or community service, emphasizing that their expertise remains valuable.
Chief Registrar Pamela Lamunu highlighted the careers of senior retirees, including Buteera, who served across the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and as Deputy Chief Justice, and Lady Justice Rugadya, who served as a High Court Judge from 2013 until her retirement in 2024.
Judicial leaders noted that the departure of over 80 officers will likely create staffing gaps amid ongoing case backlogs, underscoring the need for accelerated recruitment to sustain access to justice nationwide.
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