Six new judges sworn in

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By Vision Reporter

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has challenged judges in particular and the Judiciary at large to eliminate corruption from the judicial service.

"Judicial service should be provided so that the consumers of the service are satisfied. Several complaints from wananchi over the issue of poor people not having the capacity to have their cases attended to are abound. Some people have reported to me to the effect that omwaavu tawoza", he said.

The President, therefore, appealed to the judicial service to carry out their duties with the redemption of people in mind.

Museveni made these comments at the swearing-in ceremony of six judges. The Judges were appointed on February 24, briging the number of judges of High Court to 57. Justices of the Court of Appeal are now 11, the court however, required 15 Justices to be fully constituted. The Supreme Court has eight Justices out of the required 11, to be fully constituted.

The ceremony was yesterday held at State House, Entebbe. The ceremony was conducted by the Chief Registrar Paul Gadenya.

The new judges included the Chief Judge of the Industrial Court, Asaph Ruhinda Ntengye; Justice Margaret Mutonyi; Justice David Matovu, Justice Patricia Basaaza Wasswa and Justice Jessica Naiga Ayebare all of the High Court and Justice Linda Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha also of the Industrial Court.

The President revealed that plans are underway to amend the constitution and enact a law banning bail for capital offences such as murder, rape, defilement and treason. He noted that a number of Judges in the country have failed to use their discretion well at the time of granting bail. He strongly criticized judicial officers who release such suspects on bail.

Museveni also said that delay in disposing of commercial cases undermines the economy. He tasked Judges to serve the people without being compromised.

He congratulated the new Judges upon their appointment and wished them success in their numerous assignments.

The Acting Chief Justice, Steven Kavuma, thanked President Museveni for appointing the new judges and also for his decision to improve terms of service and remunerations of judges. He called on them to observe the highest ethical standards of the Court.

The ceremony was attended, among others, by the Deputy Attorney General, Fred Ruhindi and the Head of Public Service, John Mitala. 

Profiles of newly sworn in judges

Asaph Ntengye, 57

He is the designate Chief Judge of the Industrial Court. Prior, he was Acting Chief Registrar of the Courts of Judicature.

The father of five attended Kinoni Primary School and completed it in 1973. Subsequently studied at St Leo’s College, Kyegobe and then completed A level in 1977 at Caltec Academy.

Later enrolled for Bachelor of Laws degree at Makerere University, and thereafter went to LDC for postgraduate diploma in legal practice, obtained in 1986.

He has various certificates in case management from institutions in Africa, Europe and America. 

From 1988, he served as Grade One Magistrate, and later Chief Magistrate in Bushenyi, Kabale, and Fort Portal, Buganda Road Court  Kampala, and Mbarara.

Ntengye is a member of Rotary Club of Kampala North, Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association, Uganda Judicial Officers Association and the East African Magistrates and Judges Association.

David Matovu, 48

Prior to his appointment, he was the managing partner with Kiyemba and Matovu Company Advocates.

He attended Mwiri Primary School, then went to Namasagali College and Kyambogo College School for his ordinary and advanced levels of education respectively.

In 1987, he was admitted to Makerere University and obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree’s degree in laws and obtained a second upper before joining LD

In 1990, the served as legal officer at Uganda Development Bank.

In 1992, he started his legal career in 1992 as an advocate with the firm Mukasa and Company  Advocates.

In 1998, the father of four was a partner at the firm - Mukiibi, Ssemakula and Kiyemba Mutale Company Advocates.

Matovu is a fitness freak who is a regular at health clubs. He is a member  of the Father’s Union.

Margaret Mutonyi, 50 judge of the High Court

Prior to her appointment, the native of Mbale district was the Inspector of Courts/Acting High Court Registrar.

In 1977, the mother of five completed her primary education from Nyondo Demonstration School, Mbale.

Subsequently, she enrolled at Bubulo Girls and Tororo Girls School for her oridanry and advanced levels of education respectively.

From 1984 to 1987, she studied for a Bachelor of Laws Degree in Laws from Makerere University and later went to LDC.

Between 1989 and 1995, served as legal officer for the now defunct Cooperative Bank.

In 1995, she  joined the judiciary as Jinja grade one magistrate, and subsequently transferred to Masindi after two years.

In 1999, she became Chief Magistrate, Tororo, and was subsequently posted to the Magistrate’s Courts at Tororo, Nakawa, Mengo and Iganga courts 10 years.

In 2009, Mutonyo became Deputy Registrar of the Courts of Judicature and worked at Masindi High Court and Family Division of the High Court..

She is also a pastor at Jubilee Christian Life Church International, Kireka. In 2010, she authored a book ‘Biblical Principles of Love’, and another in 2012  titled ‘Be Aware’

Jessica Ayebazibwe, 49, judge of the High Court

Prior to her appointment, served as legal officer at National Environment Management Authority since 2007.

The mother of three began her legal career in 1992 as a legal assistant with Bazire D’bango and Co. Advocates.

A graduate graduate of law from Makerere University, she also holds a post graduate diploma in legal practice from Law Development Centre.

She left the firm for tax body Uganda Revenue Authority, and served as the revenue officer for about 10 years.

Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha, 45, Industrial Court

Prior, she served as the Director Legal Service, at the Directorate for Ethics and Integrity in the Office of the President.

Between 1991 and 1993, she graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1993. In, 1994 obtained post graduate diploma in legal practice from LDC. In 1995, Mugisha worked at FIDA as a legal officer.

From 2000-2005, she was deputy director, legal services at the Directorate for Ethics and Integrity in the Office of the President. Became full director from 2005 till appointment as judge in February this year.

In 2006, she obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management alongside a certificate in Anti-corruption Studies from Hong Kong.

In 2009, she started pursuing a master degree in Development Studies from International Institute of Social Studies Erasmus at The Hague, Netherlands.

Her hobbies include farming, playing golf and listening to both gospel and classical music.

Patricia Basaza, 44

She was managing partner of Basaza Wasswa and Co. Advocates. Has a masters degree in Business administration.

In 1992,Basaza graduated with  a Bachelor of Laws  degree, Makerere University, and enrolled at LDC for a postgraduate diploma in legal practice, obtained in 1993.

Between 1983 and 1989, she studied at Trinity College Nabbingo. She worked at Kalenge, Bwanika Company Advocates up to 1998 when she  formed her law firm.  

From 1999 to 2009, Basaza was a lecturer at LDC between

Her hobbies include enjoys reading books and newspapers.Basaza is involved in Rotary activities, and is a member of  Mothers Union of All Saints Church Nakasero in Kampala.