Justice Mulyagonja pleads for better services at Mulago Hospital

_____________________

Justice Irene Mulyagonja has made an emotional appeal to the Government to improve healthcare services at Mulago National Referral Hospital, following her painful experience while nursing her late husband, John Baptist Kakooza, at the facility’s private wing.

During a requiem mass held at Rubaga Cathedral, Justice Mulyagonja recounted how she struggled to secure basic medical supplies for her husband in Ward 6B, despite her status as a senior member of the judiciary.

“At Ward 6B, the Government of Uganda failed to provide even a single shot of insulin or an NG tube,” she said. “We would wait endlessly for simple necessities, only to be told they weren’t available.”

Justice Mulyagonja revealed that, in the two months leading up to her husband's death, they moved between four hospitals—International Hospital Kampala, Nsambya Hospital, Mulago Hospital, and finally Mukwaya General Hospital, where Kakooza passed away.

“We kept shifting because of the high medical costs. As a Judge of the Court of Appeal, I didn’t want to go around asking for money,” she explained.

She described the situation at Mulago as deeply concerning and questioned the functionality of the hospital’s specialised referral wing.

“You cannot have a referral hospital where a CDC test takes 24 hours to return results. If nothing changes, Mulago will just be a monument,” she warned.

Justice Mulyagonja said her husband, a principled man who championed the rights of the vulnerable, would have wanted her to speak out.

(L-R) Liz Kakooza, the eldest daughter of the late Counsel John Baptist Kakooza, and Justice Irene Mulyagonja, being comforted by a mourner. This was during a requiem mass for the late Kakooza at the Cathedral in Kampala on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

A legacy of integrity and service

John Baptist Kakooza, who died on May 17, 2025, was a veteran lawyer and human rights advocate. His legal career spanned over 30 years and included roles such as general counsel and corporation secretary at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and managing partner at KAM Advocates and Solicitors.

Vincent Ssekkono, former NSSF Board chair and longtime friend, recalled meeting Kakooza in 1986 after returning from exile in London. He praised Kakooza’s intellect and his impact at the Fund.

“He and Abel Katende transformed the Fund by enforcing compliance and collecting significant worker contributions. This led to the construction of Workers House, one of Kampala’s tallest buildings,” Ssekkono said.

He added that Kakooza once confided in him about losing career opportunities due to his unwavering loyalty to the Democratic Party.

“He told me his allegiance to the party cost him dearly. I told him to take heart, this world isn’t always fair, but perhaps there’s a better one to come.”



A personal and political life

Justice Mulyagonja shared personal reflections, describing Kakooza as a brilliant and handsome man whose charm was reflected in their children.

“Though we eventually separated, I remained loyal to him throughout our time together and apart. He was my friend even when we disagreed. I stood by him in his hardest moments because we vowed to stay together until death.”

Kakooza was known for his generosity and deep sense of justice. His nephew, Ben Nyenje, described him as a mentor and an uncompromising advocate for the oppressed.

“He didn’t care whether someone was rich or poor; he couldn’t stand injustice,” Nyenje said, recalling a case where Kakooza demanded legal proceedings be initiated before the client had even paid, simply because the man was being mistreated.

Tributes from legal and religious leaders

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, in a message delivered by Deputy Chief Justice Flavia Zeija, remembered Kakooza as a quiet yet impactful patriot.

“He wasn’t a loud activist, but his contributions will be remembered in our country’s history. Justice Mulyagonja, walk with your head high, your husband did you proud,” Dollo said.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, in a message read by Msgr Charles Kasibante, thanked God for Kakooza’s fruitful life.

“He was a man of faith, generosity, and commitment—serving his family, the Church, and his country with zeal,” the Archbishop noted.

Who was John Baptist Kakooza?

Born in 1954 in present-day Kalungu district to Mark Rukundo and Elizabeth Babirye, Kakooza began his education at Kalungu Boys Primary School before attending Bukalasa Seminary and St Henry’s College Kitovu.

He earned a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and a Master of Laws in International and Comparative Law from the University of Brussels. He also obtained a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in Kampala.

He worked at Kawanga and Kasule Advocates before joining NSSF, where he helped shape the organisation during its formative years. Kakooza also served as secretary general and legal adviser to the Democratic Party and co-founded the Uganda Law Society’s Legal Aid Project.

He is survived by his wife, Justice Irene Mulyagonja, and six children—three sons and three daughters.