Uganda’s Kirya wins medal at EA Magistrates and Judges Conference Sports Gala

Uganda sent a sports team to the recently concluded East African Magistrates and Judges Conference (EAMJA), held in Nairobi, Kenya, where Martins Kirya, the Chief Magistrate of Pader, emerged as an outstanding performer, winning a medal for the country.

This was during a conference, hosted at Safari Park Hotel, that ran under the theme “Justice Beyond Brick and Mortar: Unlocking Multi-Door Pathways for People-Centered Justice in East Africa.” 

EAMJA is an umbrella body that brings together judicial officers from across the East African region to deliberate on integration, policy positions, and strategic interventions aimed at improving judicial service delivery among member states.

The week-long event climaxed with a vibrant sports gala featuring teams from all participating countries. Uganda’s squad comprised 15 players, joined by three Kenyans and one Rwandan, forming Group A, which faced off against Group B, a select side from Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Burundi.

Uganda’s team produced notable performances. Hw Kintu Imoran, Magistrate of Bujuuko Court, scored the second goal, while Denis Mikoyan, Chief Magistrate of Eldoret Court in Kenya, netted the first and third.

Playing as the number 10, Kirya Martins provided assists for all three goals, earning him recognition as a star performer and securing a medal.

This was not Martins’ first triumph at the conference. In 2021, when the event was hosted in Tanzania, he won gold in the 100 meters, bringing glory to Uganda in athletics. This year, he defended his reputation by defeating Kenyan judicial athlete Zackriah Kiongo and seven other competitors from Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan in a tense contest that drew over ten male participants.

Despite Uganda’s spirited display, Team A (Tanzania) edged the match with a 4–3 victory. Their scorers included Hon. Kifungu Kariho Morisho (two goals), Hon. Bwanga Mwinyi (one goal), and Hon. Christopher (one goal).

Uganda’s delegation of 12 officials was led by Zulaika Nanteza, Deputy Registrar of Mediation. Team B finished as runners-up, adding to the thrilling encounters that marked the close of the conference.