Hon. Justice Kasule, Justice of Court of Appeal, retired receiving a token of appreciation from the Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Owiny - Dollo at the farewell ceremony
Emotions overshadowed the Judiciary end of year party on Friday (December10, 2021) night as judicial officers bid affectionate farewell to more than six retiring judges and a number of support staff.
The Judges who retired this year include; Hon. Justice Paul Mugamba (Supreme Court), Hon, Justice Remmy Kasule (Court of Appeal), Hon. Justice David Kutosi Wangutusi (High Court), Wilson Kwesiga (High Court), Hon. Lady Justice Flavia Senoga Anglin (High Court) and Hon. Justice Wilson Masalu Musene(High Court).
Others included Registrar; HW Anguandia Opifeni, HW Charles Yeteise (Chief Magistrate), HW Gertrude Bena Najjuuko, HW Godfrey Luwaga(Magistrates Grade Two) among others.
Under the current legal regime, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal Justices retire at 70, High Court Judges at 65 while Registrars and Magistrates at 60.
The Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo used the event to call for revision of the judicial officers' retirement age. "I strongly hold the view that magistrates should retire at 65-years,High Court Judges at 70 while Supreme Court justices should retire at 75 years or above because when it comes to judicial work, the older you become, the better at articulating issues at hand," the Chief Justice said.
He noted that the current retirement age is denying judicial officers their best years of judicial work. "How can you retire somebody and he or is taken to other countries? We need more than 56 Justices of the Court of Appeal under the new structure but where are we going to get them with this funny law on retirement. We are going to carry on the debate of this because it is denying Ugandans the best years of judicial work," said the CJ.
The Judiciary's Permanent Secretary, Mr Pius Bigirimana, supported the Chief Justice on revision of the judicial officers' retirement age noting that age is just a number and it has no relationship with service.
"It is unfortunate that some of you have retired while still looking young and energetic but that is age. Maybe one day it will be revised," he said.
He assured the retired judges that he will ensure that they get their benefits on time.
The Chief Justice implored the retired judicial officers to champion Mediation to assist the Judiciary overcome case backlog.
"Retirement is not tiring, I therefore appeal to you to accept to act as arbitrators because you have the best experience to help us deal with case backlog," he said.
The Chief Justice also warned judicial officers against imposing exorbitant costs on unsuccessful parties saying it scares litigants from seeking redress of their grievances from courts of justice.
"I have discovered that many people do not come to court because of exorbitant costs imposed on them by some of you (Judicial Officers) and this must stop. How can you impose a cost of sh8m on a simple application?" he wondered.
The Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu, wished the retiring judicial officers a prosperous retirement. She said 2021 has been one of the greatest years for the Judiciary because a lot has been achieved worthy of celebration.
Retired Judges Speak Out
Hon. Justice Paul Mugamba
Hon. Justice Mugamba said he does not regret having joined the Judiciary. "In life everything comes to an end. I used to travel by bus from Fort Portal to Kampala but It would stop and some passengers would get out and it is now my turn to get out," he said. Hon. Justice Mugamba said the Judiciary should not however treat them as faded because they have retired noting that they are still resourceful.
Hon. Justice Kasule
Hon. Justice Kasule spent time appreciating the staff who supported him over the years as a Judicial Officer. These included his bodyguard of 17 years whom he appreciated for dedicated service, his office attendant and secretary.
Hon. Justice Kasule saluted lawyers such as Paul Sebalu, Jehoash Mayanja Nkangi who encouraged him to join the Judiciary in2004. "I retire but the quest for justice never retires, I therefore renew my commitment until God calls me," he said.
He also appreciated staff that supported him.
Hon. Justice Wangutusi
In his emotional address, Hon. Justice Wangutusi who joined the Judiciary 38-years ago said he has enjoyed the judicial work. "It is a happy ending for me and I am leaving the Judiciary with no enemy and I prepared for my retirement," Hon. Justice Wangustusi said.
He however, implored the remaining judicial officers to ensure that they do justice to all. "There is no way you can administer social justice unless you talk to the people to whom you administer justice. If you are scared to be criticized, then you should be in the graveyard," he said. He asked the Judiciary to always approach him in case of any challenge.
CM Charles Yeteise
In his emotional speech, HW Yeteise recounted his journey to achieve the rank of the Chief Magistrate ever since he joined the Judiciary in1995. He, however, said he has retired a happy man. "I thank the Judiciary for acting as my parent, they gave me the job and have been able to educate my children and do many other things and I retire a happy man," he said.
Each of the retirees received a plaque and gift in appreciation of their service.
Posted 10th, December 2021
