Justice Buteera honoured in historic send-off at Court of Appeal

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It was an emotional day at the Court of Appeal on Friday as its judges, lawyers, and members of the Judiciary fraternity bid farewell to Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, who is set to retire on April 9 this year, when he celebrates his 70th birthday—the retirement age for justices of both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in the country.

Buteera was honoured with a special court sitting, the first of its kind for a retiring judicial officer in the history of the Judiciary.

Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, senior lawyers Peter Kabatsi and Prof. Edward Ssempebwa, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo took part in the special court sitting—this time not making legal submissions but highlighting Buteera’s contribution to the administration of justice in the country.

Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka during the special court sitting in honour of Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera on Friday. (Photo by Farooq Kasule)

Kiryowa commended Buteera’s remarkable legacy, while Abodo praised his efforts in mentoring junior prosecutors, including herself, and in streamlining case management.

“I am filled with both pride and sadness as we bid farewell to Justice Buteera because his name is synonymous with integrity. He has had a profound impact on the justice system in the country and we must emulate him,” Abodo said.

However, emotions got the better of Kabatsi, who underscored the need for reform to raise the retirement age of judicial officers to around 80 years, drawing from the fact that Buteera is leaving while he is still energetic, capable, and resourceful.

“When I see Buteera going yet he is still resourceful, I feel like we need to amend the law on the retirement age of judges, but anyway that is a matter for reform,” Kabatsi said.

Kabatsi hailed Buteera, saying he leaves an indelible mark on the administration of justice in the country.

“Your time of service has taught us that justice must work for all because you made sure that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” Kabatsi said.

Ruth Sebatindira, a former Uganda Law Society (ULS) president, commended Buteera for not only having a great sense of humour but also being solid when it comes to the administration of justice.

DPP Jane Frances Abodo making her speech during the special court sitting in honour of Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera at the Court of Appeal on Friday. (Photo by Farooq Kasule)

“As a member of the Bar (legal fraternity) for 27 years now, I have had the opportunity to interact with about four Deputy Chief Justices, and my first opportunity to meet you was in 2016 when we were put on a committee to review the criminal procedure. But I can tell you that he has a great sense of humour, but also solid when it comes to the administration of justice,” Sebatindira said.

Court of Appeal judges Fredrick Egonda-Ntende and Hellen Obura commended Buteera for his commitment to the administration of justice and for being a strong advocate of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms that ensure quicker and harmonious resolution of disputes.

Citing a time when Buteera sent a draft judgment to her to read through and make suggestions, despite being her senior, Obura commended Buteera for being a down-to-earth person with special leadership qualities.

“As women judges, I must be honest that we enjoyed working with you because of your humility and deep sense of humour that has made you stand out as an outstanding leader for us,” Obura said.

Speaking at the special Court of Appeal sitting held in his honour, Buteera emphasised the need for collaboration, regular meetings, and prioritisation of election petitions to tackle case backlogs and improve judicial effectiveness.

Buteera expressed gratitude to the Justices of the Court of Appeal, who he said unanimously resolved to honour him with a special court sitting.

“I am pleased to be the first beneficiary of this initiative. I have lived in the Judiciary since my first appointment on December 16, 1981, and my first appointment was in Moyo District as a magistrate. I rose through the ranks up to the Supreme Court. I am therefore grateful to God,” Buteera said.

Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera greeting senior lawyer Henry Kunya on Friday after the special court sitting in his honour. (Photo by Farooq Kasule)

He encouraged judicial officers to uphold judicial integrity and work together to strengthen Uganda’s legal system.

Buteera called for greater teamwork and judicial efficiency among the judicial officers. He will be replaced by Dr Flavian Zeija, the current Principal Judge, which means a new Principal Judge will have to be appointed.

Who is Buteera?

Born 70 years ago, Buteera joined the Judiciary on December 16, 1981, as a Magistrate Grade One.

He rose through the ranks up to the Supreme Court, the apex court in the land.

Buteera also served as the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and held the position for eight years, making him the longest-serving DPP in the country’s history.