Kampala, Uganda– Uganda’s Judiciary and legal fraternity on Thursday paid glowing tribute to retiring Court of Appeal Justice Dr. Frederick Egonda Ntende, describing him as a principled jurist whose contribution to justice delivery and judicial reforms has left a lasting mark on the country and beyond.
The tribute was made during a special sitting held at the Court of Appeal in honour of Justice Ntende’s 35 years of service in the Judiciary ahead of his retirement on June 15, 2026.
The sitting drew senior judicial officers, legal practitioners, and dignitaries from across the country, including retired Chief Justice Wako Wambuzi, Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal judges, High Court judges, magistrates, registrars, Director of Public Prosecutions Lino Anguzu, lawyers from the Attorney General’s Chambers, private legal practitioners, and family members of Justice Ntende.
The Court of Appeal, presided over by Deputy Chief Justice-designate Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, resolved that the proceedings of the special sitting be recorded as part of the official court record.
Solicitor General Pius Perry Biribonwoha moved the motion for the special sitting alongside Deputy Solicitor General Charles Ouma, Director of Civil Litigation Martin Mwambutsya, and Commissioner Richard Adrole from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Speaking during the session, Supreme Court Justice Christopher Madrama praised Justice Ntende for his immense contribution to the Judiciary, both locally and internationally.
“In the retirement of Justice Egonda Ntende, we are witnessing the transition of a judicial figure whose influence has transcended Uganda’s borders,” Justice Madrama said.
He noted that Justice Ntende distinguished himself in several capacities throughout his career, including serving as an international judge, private advocate, adjudicator in post-conflict jurisdictions, Chief Justice of Seychelles, and a champion of digital transformation within Uganda’s Judiciary.
Justice Madrama also highlighted Justice Ntende’s academic foresight, noting that at a time when many legal professionals focused on traditional branches of law, he pursued a Master of Laws degree in Information Technology from the University of Glasgow.
Representing academia, Dr. Robert Kirunda described Justice Ntende as “the Chief Justice Uganda never had,” applauding his fairness, humility, and professionalism on the Bench.
“As members of the Bar, we knew that if one prepared adequately, they would receive a fair hearing before him,” Kirunda said.
Court of Appeal Justice Cheborion Barishaki also commended Justice Ntende’s professionalism and respectful conduct toward advocates and judicial officers.
“He never demeaned lawyers or litigants. He treated everyone with dignity and respect,” Justice Barishaki noted.
Justice Barishaki further credited Justice Ntende for playing a leading role in advancing the digitisation of the Judiciary, a reform that has eased case management and reduced dependence on physical files.
In his farewell remarks, Justice Ntende expressed gratitude to God, his family, and colleagues for supporting him throughout his judicial journey.
He paid special tribute to his wife Margaret for encouraging him to accept appointment to the High Court in 1991 despite the financial sacrifices involved at the time.
“I had considered declining the appointment because judicial officers were poorly paid then, but my wife encouraged me to serve,” he said.
Justice Ntende also urged judicial officers to remain steadfast in upholding the Constitution and defending the rule of law, drawing inspiration from judges such as retired Chief Justice Wako Wambuzi who stood firm during challenging political periods in Uganda’s history.
Born on June 15, 1956, Justice Ntende began his legal career as an advocate of the High Court and later served as Vice President of the Uganda Law Society before joining the Judiciary in November 1991 as a High Court judge.
He served as a part-time lecturer at Makerere University between 2006 and 2009 and headed the Family Division of the High Court from 2008 to 2009.
Between 2009 and 2014, he served as Chief Justice of Seychelles before returning to Uganda, where he later became Chairperson of the Judiciary’s Law Reporting Committee and Head of the Commercial Division of the High Court.
In May 2014, he was appointed Justice of the Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court, positions he has held until his retirement.
