Kampala – The International Association of Women Judges Uganda Chapter (IAWJ-UC) on Saturday held a colourful handover ceremony at the Supreme Court Building Conference Hall, marking a significant moment of transition and renewed commitment to advancing justice and gender equity in Uganda.
The ceremony saw Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya officially assume office as President of IAWJ-UC, taking over from Lady Justice Elizabeth Jane Alividza in a ceremony characterised by celebration, mentorship, gratitude and inspiration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Principal Judge and Patron of IAWJ-UC, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described the occasion as “a beautiful day,” humorously noting that she had not expected to dance so early on a Saturday morning.
She paid special tribute to the mentees present, emphasizing that mentorship remains central to the Association’s mission and that it is critical in strengthening institutions in administration of justice.
“If we want strong institutions like the Judiciary, the Uganda Law Society, the Office of the DPP and civil society, we must mentor the young people because the law, by its nature, is a noble profession,” she said.
The Principal Judge observed that legal professionals often shoulder the burden of helping others navigate emotional pain while dealing with their own personal challenges, underscoring the importance of strong mentorship structures within the legal profession.
Lady Justice Abodo applauded the outgoing Executive for laying a strong foundation for the Association and noted the remarkable increase in the number of women joining the legal profession compared to earlier years when law classes at the Law Development Centre were significantly smaller.
She pledged the Judiciary’s continued support to IAWJ-UC and encouraged members to think beyond Uganda in their work and impact, while also emphasizing the importance of male allies in advancing gender equality.
Addressing women in leadership, the Principal Judge noted that many women still struggle with inferiority complexes in leadership spaces and commended the Association for challenging stereotypes that place certain offices and responsibilities along gender lines.
“Women are capable of achieving just as much,” she affirmed.
She concluded by wishing the incoming President, Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya, God’s abundant blessings and success during her three-year tenure.
In her remarks, the new president, Lady Justice Kazaarwe commended the Patron of the Association for her timekeeping and presence at the ceremony, noting that the day was not merely for speeches, but for honouring the outgoing leadership and celebrating the mentorship and steady guidance that had shaped the Association over the years.
“This is not a day for speaking; it is a day for honouring,” she remarked, paying tribute to President Emeritus Lady Justice Alividza for her dedicated service and leadership.
In an emotional and reflective address, President Emeritus thanked the Principal for accepting to be the Patron of the Association.
She shared her personal journey from her early days at FIDA Uganda in her twenties to joining the Judiciary in the 1990s, where she served at Buganda Road Court handling capital offences. She recalled how that role brought her into close interaction with senior female judicial officers who mentored and guided her.
Lady Justice Alividza also fondly recalled attending an international conference in Manila, Philippines, in 1994/1995 while still a Magistrate Grade One, an experience she described as transformative and life-changing.
She narrated how the late Maria Ssali supported her with USD 1,000 towards the trip while the Judiciary provided the balance, enabling her to join a global network of women judge.
