By Roselyn Karatsi

When you see her wearing the court dress, you dread the mere thought of ever getting close to her. You even imagine that she can never smile at the silliest joke; always looking tough but still maintaining her beauty and focus. That is Judge Julia Sebutinde.

She enjoys and appreciates life minute by minute. “I don’t take life serious, but I take my job seriously,” says Sebutinde.

She affirms that she has managed to get to where she is because she does everything like she is doing it for God. “I believe in the higher power,” she explains.

Sebutinde says she is a steward of herself, the gifts God has given her, her work, family and children.

The principle of stewardship keeps the judge grounded in everything she does. She depends on God totally for everything, small or big and to see her through the challenges that come her way. “I pray a lot, there is nothing too big or too small. I am accountable to God in the way I conduct myself at home and raise my children,” she says.

“People at work, relatives, in-laws and friends all want to pull you back, but despite all that, follow your heart, keep going and be humble,” she advises. She believes that anyone can succeed if they set their mind on what they love.

“Give it your best shot, persevere and stay in one place long enough to get experience,” she advises young people who, she says, do not persevere long enough today.

“Perseverance helps you become a better person. Ask yourself what you have learnt from everything you have been through,” the judge reiterates. Introspection is key before she makes a decision to move from one level to another. “I always ask myself what I have learnt from my previous job.

” Marriage is a challenge today, especially when women are in places of influence. They tend to grow artificial wings and everything goes wrong. However, Sebutinde says every marriage has its own issues and problems, but how you handle them helps you or breaks you.

“Young people set the bar so high and marry without purpose,” she says. She advises her daughters to date with their eyes open, with their heads and hearts. She advises that one make a list of traits you want in a husband.

She says no one should get into a relationship asking what they are getting out of it, but rather what they are bringing into it. “If you put in little, you will get little, you put a lot you get a lot.”

Accepting the other person is an important aspect according to the judge because it brings out the best in them. She explains that you cannot change someone else, but you can change yourself.

“Marriage grows like any living thing and it can grow to the best; except that sometimes we are good at bringing out the worst in people,” she affirms. Of her beauty and looking younger than her age, Sebutinde says: “I am blessed! I am 57 and I have grown children who are working,” she says.

She loves to look good. When she wakes up, she carefully chooses what clothes and make up to wear whether she is going out or not. “I like to joke, dance, party, watch movies, hang with friends, listen to music and eat well and healthy, which helps a lot since I am not good at exercising, but I believe I need to work on that,” she concludes.