On February 7, President Museveni appointed 21 judges of the High Court in acting capacity for a period of two years.
The CEO Magazine examines the the career profiles of the new judges of the High Court with focus on years of experience, academic and professional accomplishments.
Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu
She is a distinguished legal professional with over 19 years of experience in Uganda’s Judiciary. She is known for her leadership in judicial administration and anti-corruption efforts, earning recognition as a ‘young pace-setter.’
Lady Justice Langa began her judicial career in 2005 as a Grade One Magistrate, before rising through the ranks. In 2009, she was among the pioneer Magistrates of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court where she served up to the rank of Deputy Registrar.
She introduced the Court’s first Open Day, now an institutionalized activity in the Judiciary. Her dedication and performance earned her an Outstanding Performance Award from then-Chief Justice Bart Magunda Katureebe in 2015.
On August 14, 2020, she was appointed the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, a position she held up to the time of her elevation as Judge of the High Court, in which she was the supervisor of the Lower Bench.
She has been in charge of enrolling and licensing advocates as well as licensing and disciplining bailiffs. She was also the first female Chief Registrar to assist in the swearing in of the President.
In 2024, Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo awarded her with the Excellent Performance Award for her role as the chairperson of the Judiciary Contracts Committee in the procurement and supervision of the construction of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Lady Justice Langa is a member of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association, the International Association of Women Judges, and is a strong advocate for gender equality in the legal profession, in which she has mentored young lawyers and championed girl-child education.
She is the vision bearer of the Judiciary Christian Fellowship and is an excellent moderator.
She holds a masters and bachelor of laws from Makerere University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration.
Lady Justice Bareebe Rosemary Ngabirano
She is an accomplished judicial officer with over 27 years of experience. She has risen through the ranks from Magistrate to Registrar and now serves as an Acting Judge of the High Court.
At the time of her appointment, she was serving as Registrar of the High Court, before which she was the Registrar Magistrates Affairs and Data Management, through which she coordinated the High Court and Magistrates’ courts.
She has also served on the Judiciary Disciplinary Committee, the Integrity Committee, the Judiciary Case Management Committee, and the Judiciary Planning Development and Finance Committee.
Justice Bareebe has previously served as Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Chief Magistrate, and Magistrate Grade I, through which she has handled complex legal matters, supervised judicial staff, and promoted alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
She has also contributed to judicial training as a tutor and external examiner at the Law Development Centre.
She holds a Master of Laws in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the University of Pretoria, a Master of Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University.
She is also a member of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association and the International Association of Women Judges and has been instrumental in judicial reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, and gender-based violence case management.
Lady Justice Babirye Mary
She has more than 24 years of experience in the Judiciary, in which she has served in various capacities.
At the time of her appointment as a Judge of the High Court, she was serving as the Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court, before which she served as the Acting Registrar, Acting Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Chief Magistrate, and Magistrate Grade I.
She has also previously worked as a personal assistant to the Deputy Chief Justice and served in the High Court Circuits, in which she has handled complex legal matters in civil, commercial, criminal, and constitutional law.
She holds a Master’s in Management Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Uganda Management Institute, Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre.
She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Law at Makerere University and she is a member of several professional associations, including the Uganda Law Society, the International Association of Women Judges, and the Commonwealth Judges Association.
Lady Justice Lillian Alum Omara
She is highly experienced in international criminal law, prosecution, and anti-corruption, with more than 25 years of experience.
At the time of her appointment, she was serving as Chief State Attorney in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where she headed the International Crimes Department.
She prosecuted high-profile cases, including terrorism, human trafficking, war crimes, and financial crimes such as money laundering.
She has also previously served as a Senior State Attorney and a pioneer prosecutor at the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court.
She has mentored legal professionals, trained law enforcement agencies, and contributed to drafting key laws and practice directions to improve the administration of justice.
She holds a Master of Laws in International Crime and Justice from the University of Turin, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Management Institute, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre.
She also holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and has received specialized training in international criminal law, counterterrorism, and financial crimes prosecution.
She is a member of the International Association of Prosecutors and the Uganda Association of Prosecutors.
Justice Charles Kasibayo
He has more than 18 years of service in the justice sector. At the time of his appointment, he was the Administrator General, a position he had held for 11 years, in which period, he helped to transform it into one of the best-performing institutions under Justice, Law, and Order Sector.
He has played a significant role in legislative development, serving as the lead resource person in the amendment of Uganda’s succession laws, including the Administrator General’s Act and the Succession Act.
He has also contributed to efforts in combating land fraud, offering key legal insights and policy recommendations to stakeholders in the Judiciary, Ministry of Lands, and Attorney General’s office.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and a Certificate in Contract Administration from the International Law Institute in Washington, DC.
He has also undertaken specialized training in international business transactions and extractive industry agreements.
Lady Justice Mary Kaitesi Kisakye
She has more than 25 years of experience in legal practice, of which 22 years have been on the bench.
At the time of her appointment, she was serving a Registrar at the Registry of Magistrates Affairs and Data Management.
She has also previously served as a registrar at the Registry of Planning and Development and the Judicial Training Institute.
She began her judicial career as a Grade One Magistrate Grade, before which, she had served at FIDA-Uganda as a legal/program officer, where she remains as an active member of the board.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution from Makerere University, a Master of Laws in Oil and Gas from Uganda Christian University, a Postgraduate Diplomas in Legal Practice, Human Resource Management, and Social Justice from the Law Development Centre, Uganda Management Institute, and Makerere University, respectively.
Lady Justice Susan Odongo
She has vast experience with over 20 years working in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, 10 of which were in the Directorate of Civil Litigation.
At the time of her appointment, she had been working in the Directorate of Legal Advisory Services of the Ministry of Justice, which she joined as a State Attorney, before rising through the ranks to become a Principal State Attorney.
She has represented Uganda at the East African Court of Justice and has been instrumental in drafting and negotiating international agreements.
She holds a Master of Business Administration from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute, a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University.
Justice Karoli Ssemogerere
He is an accomplished international lawyer with over 25 years of experience in legal practice, public policy formulation, legislative drafting, and dispute resolution.
His expertise spans across different jurisdictions, including Uganda and the United States, where he is admitted to the practice of law at various levels, including the State of New York, US 2nd Federal Second Circuit Court of Appeals, the US Southern District of New York and the US Tax Court.
He also run busy law practices in New York, Baltimore and Washington DC. At the time of his appointment, he was a Partner at Mukumbya Musoke Advocates, specializing in litigation and dispute resolution in commercial, family, land, and corporate matters.
His extensive legal experience includes working with government agencies such as the defunct Uganda Coffee Development Authority, Broadcasting Council, Uganda National Roads Authority, Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Information, ICT and National Guidance and the Financial Intelligence Authority.
He has also served as a legal consultant on amendment of the forestry laws and financing of the National Water Policy to the Ministry of Water and Environment and also played a key role in legislative drafting and regulatory reforms.
He has advised the Uganda Communications Commission, COMESA, and Ministry of ICT on major sector reforms, including the drafting of the proposed Uganda’s Information and Communications sector law and amendments to key legislation governing the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.
In 2019, he helped produce the Uganda Communications Regulations comprising of 18 sector laws, the first since 2007. His expertise in regulatory compliance, international trade, and investment law has contributed to policy formulation at both national and regional level.
Early in his career, he worked as a clerk for Lady Justice Leticia Mukasa Kikonyogo at the Supreme Court and was an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Public and Comparative Law at Makerere University.
He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) from Harvard University, a Master’s in Government and Public Affairs from Johns Hopkins University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Legislative Drafting from the International Law Institute.
He is a member of the Uganda Law Society, East African Law Society, New York Bar Association, and the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel.
Lady Justice Joanita Gertrude Bushara
She is a seasoned legal professional with more than 23 years of experience in land transactions, corporate law, and family law.
She is a Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths and at the time of her appointment, she was working as the founding Partner of Justitia Law Advocates. She has previously practiced at Kakuru & Co. Advocates and Lumonya, Bushara & Co. Advocates, served as a lecturer at the Law Development Centre for 14 years, Deputy Head of the Department of Clinical Legal Education and Legal Aid and also worked as Secretary to the Bar Course Advisory Board.
In 2022, she was appointed by the Attorney General as a member of the Management Committee of the Law Development Centre, where she chaired the Examinations Appeals Sub-Committee and the Appointments Sub-Committee.
She holds a Master of Laws in Oil and Gas from Uganda Christian University, a Graduate Diploma in Women’s Law from the University of Zimbabwe, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre. She is an alumnus of Makerere University and an active member of the Uganda Law Society.
Justice Simon Peter Kinobe
He is a distinguished legal professional with over 18 years of experience in legal practice.
At the time of his appointment, he was a Partner at Ortus Advocates, where he specialized in dispute resolution, business advisory, tax, and infrastructure law.
He has previously served as President of the Uganda Law Society and has held multiple leadership positions, including chairperson of the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations, Chairperson of the Staff Tribunal at Lira University, a member of the Management Committee of the Law Development Centre (LDC), where he chaired the Finance Committee and a board member of the Law Council.
He has also worked as a Senior Inspectorate Officer at the Inspectorate of Government, and lectured at Kampala International University.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre.
He is a member of the Uganda Law Society, the East African Law Society, the African Bar Association, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Justice Vincent Opyene
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He has extensive legal expertise in criminal prosecution, wildlife law enforcement, anti-corruption, and legal advisory services.
At the time of his appointment, he was serving as the founder and chief executive officer of Natural Resource Conservation Network.
He previously worked as a Legal Counsel at Uganda Wildlife Authority and a State Prosecutor at the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
His expertise extends to contract law, land matters, and commercial litigation, having founded Opyene & Company Advocates, where he provided legal, advisory and litigation services.
He holds a Master’s in Anti-Corruption Studies from the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria, a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, and multiple postgraduate diplomas, including Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre and Wildlife Management from the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania.
He has also previously received prestigious conservation awards, including the Tusk Conservation Award.
Lady Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibbala
She is a highly experienced legal professional with over 23 years of experience in law enforcement, prosecution, and governance.
At the time of her appointment, she was the Director of Legal Affairs at the Inspectorate of Government.
She supervised the prosecution of corruption cases, defended Inspectorate of Government decisions in courts, and oversaw the recovery of stolen assets by public officials.
She has been a key member of Uganda’s Technical Working Group for the Review and Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, played a crucial role in drafting the Anti-Corruption Court Case Management Rules and contributed to amending the Leadership Code Act.
She has previously worked as the President of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network for Eastern Africa, legal officer at Uganda Industrial Properties and as a legal assistant at Ladwar, Oneka & Company Advocates.
She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University.
Justice Isaac Bonny Teko
He is highly experienced in legal profession with expertise in financial regulation, corporate law, and governance.
His career spans over two decades, during which he has provided legal advisory services in both the public and private sectors.
At the time of his appointment, he was the Deputy Director of Legal Affairs at the Bank of Uganda, where he provided legal and advisory support to management, facilitated regulatory compliance, and contributed to financial sector governance.
He played a pivotal role in drafting and reviewing laws and policies governing financial institutions, ensuring compliance with international banking and financial standards.
Previously, he served as an inspectorate officer and prosecutor at the Inspectorate of Government, and as a legal officer at Katende Ssempebwa Advocates.
He holds a Master of Business Administration from ESAMI, a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre.
He has also received specialized training in banking law, financial regulation, corporate governance, and alternative dispute resolution from institutions such as Pepperdine University and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
He is a member of Uganda’s Financial and Legal Policy committees, and has represented Uganda in negotiations for the African Continental Free Trade Area Treaty and provided strategic advisory services in international trade and finance.
Lady Justice Deepa Verma
She has over 25 years of experience in corporate law, intellectual property, and commercial litigation.
At the time of her appointment, she was the founding and managing partner of Verma & Partners.
Before founding her firm, she was an associate partner at Shonubi Musoke & Co Advocates and has previously handled numerous pro bono cases through FIDA and the Uganda Law Society.
She was also elected as the first female President of the Makerere Law Society, setting a precedent for women in legal leadership.
She holds a Masters of Law in Oil and Gas from Uganda Christian University, a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre.
She is an enrolled advocate of the Courts of Judicature of Uganda, a Commissioner for Oaths, and a Notary Public.
She is also a recipient of several awards, including Best Female Practitioner in Private Practice by the Uganda Law Society and is a member of the Uganda Law Society, East African Law Society, and International Bar Association.
Lady Justice Grace Flavia Lamuno
She as vast experience in legal education, corporate law, and commercial law, spanning more than 20 years.
At the time of her appointment, she was a lecturer in the Department of Business Law at Makerere University Business School, where was teaching Business and Commercial Law.
She is also an advocate of the High Court with over 18 years of experience in corporate governance, investment law, and business transactions.
She holds Master of Law from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre and is currently pursuing a PhD in Law at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.
She is a member of the Uganda Law Society, the East Africa Law Society, Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity, a Rotarian and a leader in various professional and faith-based organizations.
Lady Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika
She has over 20 years of experience in the legal and public service sectors, where she has been pivotal in shaping Uganda’s legal framework through policy development, legislative drafting, and contract negotiations at both national and international levels.
At the time of her appointment, she was a Principal State Attorney in the Directorate of Legal Advisory Services at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
She has been instrumental in Uganda’s Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations with the European Union and has contributed to major infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway.
She has served as a legal adviser on multiple government contracts committees, including the Uganda National Council for Science & Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture and part-timed as a lecturer at the Islamic University in Uganda, teaching Family Law, Public International Law, and the Law of Sale of Goods.
She holds a Master of Law from Lund University, Sweden, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University.
She is a member of FIDA Uganda, the Uganda Law Society, the East African Law Society, and the Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association.
Justice Kwemara Kafuuzi Gelase
He is a legal practitioner with over 20 years of experience in human rights, land law, criminal law, and constitutional litigation.
Before his appointment, he was the managing partner at Rwakafuuzi & Co. Advocates.
He has played a significant role in law reporting, legal publishing, and mentoring young lawyers in Uganda. His expertise in litigation strategies and advisory services has shaped Uganda’s legal framework, especially in constitutional and human rights law.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Management Institute.
He is a member of the Uganda Law Society, the East African Law Society, and the Uganda Catholic Lawyers Association.
Justice Godfrey Himbaza
He is a seasoned legal professional with over 20 years of experience in litigation, corporate law, constitutional law, and regulatory matters.
At the time of his appointment, he was a senior partner at OSH Advocates and has previously worked as a State Attorney in the Ministry of Justice & Constitutional Affairs, a lecturer at Kampala International University and Makerere University’s Department of Botany, where he taught Natural Resources Law.
His work in academia has contributed to shaping future legal professionals and enhancing knowledge in energy law and governance.
He holds a Master of Law in Oil and Gas from Uganda Christian University, a certificate in Global Energy Transitions, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University.
He is an enrolled advocate of the High Court of Uganda, a member of the Uganda Law Society and the East African Law Society.
Justice Andrew Khaukha
He is a distinguished legal professional with over 20 years of experience in judicial reforms, legislative drafting, legal research, and alternative dispute resolution.
At the time of his appointment, he was a Technical Advisor to the Judiciary, advising the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, the Principal Judge, and the Chief Registrar on judicial reforms.
He has been instrumental in drafting key legal frameworks, including the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules, the Constitution (Land Eviction) Practice Directions, and the Plea Bargaining Guidelines.
He has also served as the coordinator of major legal initiatives, including Uganda’s Alternative Justice Strategy and the rollout of the Plea-Bargaining Programme across all High Court Circuits.
He holds a Master of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University, a Master of Law from Makerere University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting.
He is also an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University’s Caruso School of Law and a recipient of the Pepperdine Sudreau Global Justice Programme’s Person of the Year Award for his dedication to justice reforms.
Lady Justice D. Ginamia Melody Ngwatu
She has extensive expertise in judicial administration, human rights, and legal education, with over two decades of experience.
At the time of her appointment, she was the deputyrRegistrar in charge of Complaints and Investigations under the Directorate of Complaints, Investigations, and Disciplinary Affairs at the Judicial Service Commission.
She was also been a senior lecturer at the Law Development Centre, served in multiple leadership roles, including Principal Legal Officer at the Judicial Service Commission and Registrar at the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
She holds a PhD of Law from the University of Pretoria, a Master in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa, a Master of Laws from Makerere University, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Uganda Management Institute.
She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and is a member of the Uganda Law Society and the Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity.
Lady Justice Nakiganda Ida
She is a distinguished lawyer and human rights advocate with over 20 years of experience in the legal and human rights fields.
At the time of her appointment, she was the director of complaints, investigations, and legal services at the Uganda Human Rights Commission. She has also previously worked as a technical expert to the Human Rights Committee of Parliament, director of research, education, and documentation at the Uganda Human Rights Commission and has previously played a leading role in drafting Uganda’s National Civic Education Policy.
Her extensive career includes serving as a Senior Human Rights Officer, Regional Human Rights Officer, and Acting Director of Complaints.
She holds a Master of Law from the University of Notre Dame, a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University.
She is a member of the Uganda Law Society and the East African Law Society.
