More than 80 Judiciary Staff Retire After Decades of Service

At least 86 judicial officers and support staff have officially retired from the Judiciary, a development that is expected to leave notable staffing gaps within the institution. 

The retirees include senior judges, magistrates, accountants, clerks, interpreters, drivers, clerical officers, process servers, office attendants, and other support staff who have served the Judiciary for decades.

Among those who retired are former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, High Court Judge Lady Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya, and Lady Justice Henrietta Wolayo, alongside several magistrates and administrative officers stationed across the country. Speaking on behalf of the retirees during the Judiciary’s Retirees’ Dinner held on Tuesday night at the Supreme Court in Kampala, former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera described the occasion as a moment of gratitude and reflection. 

He said the work of the Judiciary is a collective effort that goes beyond judges and magistrates to include clerks, secretaries, drivers, cleaners, and other support staff whose contributions make justice delivery possible. Buteera noted that the Judiciary has undergone significant transformation over the years, particularly in professionalism and working conditions, enabling officers to retire with dignity and an improved quality of life. He encouraged retirees to continue upholding the institution’s values and to serve as ambassadors of justice in their communities.

The Deputy Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, speaking on behalf of the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, commended the retirees for their dedication and resilience amid the pressures and public scrutiny that often accompany judicial service. He urged them to enjoy retirement, maintain good health, and remain connected to the Judiciary by sharing their experience and wisdom with younger officers. 

Dr Zeija emphasized that retirement should be viewed as an honorable transition rather than an abrupt end to service.Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo described the retiring officers as men and women who devoted the best years of their lives to the service of justice. She noted that judicial decisions often shape lives, families, and communities and may sometimes be unpopular, but they are essential for peace and social order.

Justice Abodo also acknowledged the crucial role played by support staff behind the scenes, saying justice is not only delivered through judgments but also through the daily guidance and assistance provided to court users. She described retirement as a transition to legacy, adding that the Judiciary has been strengthened by the discipline, patience, and commitment of the retiring officers.

The Permanent Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr Pius Bigirimana, thanked the retirees for their contribution to justice delivery and highlighted recent achievements within the institution, including the construction of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court building, which hosted the dinner. He cited improved case disposal rates, expansion of court infrastructure, increased recruitment, investment in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and ongoing digital transformation as key milestones.

Dr Bigirimana encouraged retirees to view retirement as an opportunity to pursue consultancy, business ventures, or community service, noting that their experience remains valuable to the country. 

Chief Registrar Pamela Lamunu highlighted the career milestones of some of the retiring senior officers, including former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, who served in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court before becoming Deputy Chief Justice, having risen through various ranks including pupil State Attorney. 

She also cited Lady Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya, who served as a High Court Judge from 2013 until her retirement in 2024. The retirees were awarded certificates and other gifts in appreciation of their distinguished judicial careers and long service. While praising the retirees, judicial leaders acknowledged that the departure of more than 80 officers is likely to exacerbate staffing gaps at a time when case backlogs persist, underscoring the need for accelerated recruitment to sustain access to justice across the country.

In 2020, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni assented to the Administration of the Judiciary Act, 2020, which provides substantial retirement benefits for judicial officers. Under the law, retired judges, especially senior ones, continue to receive monthly retirement benefits equivalent to the full salary of a sitting judge for life.