Justice Kazaarwe takes helm of women judges’ association

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There was pomp, glamour and excitement at the Supreme Court Conference Hall as High Court Judge Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya was inaugurated as the new President of the International Association of Women Judges Uganda Chapter (IAWJ-U) on May 23, 2026.

The ceremony was made colourful with gospel music, to which the women judges danced in joyful celebration in a rare display. Women make up more than 50 per cent of the country’s judicial workforce.

Kazaarwe replaces fellow High Court Judge Elizabeth Jane Alividza, while High Court Judge Joyce Kavuma was named the new vice president of the association.

The chapter pioneers grassroots judicial education aimed at uprooting gender bias from the justice system and protecting the rights of women and children.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, commended the association for the work it has been doing since its inception in 1994.

“I want to commend you for the good work you are doing in the association. As the judiciary leadership, we commit to continued support to you,” Abodo said.

Abodo, who was also appointed patron of the association, vowed to take the role seriously.

“We have to do mentorship. We have to go to different universities teaching law because if we want the young people to grow, we must groom them. We must show them that law is not a job but a calling and the payment we get is a mere token of what we do,” Abodo said.

Abodo likened the work of judicial officers to that of medical doctors.

“We deal with emotions and bring healing to the people. The kind of healing we bring to the people is that of pain that cannot be seen. For example, in the morning, you are listening to a parent talking about how their young girl was defiled and in the afternoon you are listening to a murder case, all those emotions you are supposed to take in,” Abodo noted.

She also commended the outgoing leadership for laying a strong foundation for the association.

Kazaarwe said the core values of the association include service, sacrifice and dedication.

She noted that leadership within IAWJ-U is grounded in a passion for serving vulnerable communities rather than personal gain.

Justice Alividza, also a founding member of the association, promised to offer the necessary support to the new leadership to make the association more vibrant.

“My message to you is that where there is passion, commitment, you can achieve anything in the world,” Alividza said.

Alividza said the association’s vision is to enhance justice for all, especially marginalised groups.