Justice Buteera retires after four decades of service

KAMPALA - Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera is today, April 9, 2025, celebrating his 70th birthday, the official retirement age for justices of both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in Uganda.

Born 70 years ago, Buteera joined the Judiciary on December 16, 1981, as a Grade One Magistrate. He rose through the ranks to the Supreme Court, the apex court in the country.

Buteera also served as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), holding the position for eight years, making him the longest-serving DPP in Uganda’s history.

He retires with full benefits, including a monthly salary equivalent to that of the sitting Deputy Chief Justice for life, in accordance with Schedule Two of the Administration of the Judiciary Act, 2020. Buteera will be succeeded by the Principal Judge, Dr Flavian Zeija.

Other benefits include a one-off lump sum retirement package equivalent to 2.4% of his annual salary multiplied by five years of service.

He is also entitled to a monthly housing allowance equivalent to that paid to the sitting Deputy Chief Justice or a one-off payment of sh380 million in lieu of housing. In addition, he will receive an annual medical allowance equivalent to that provided to the sitting Deputy Chief Justice.

Additional entitlements include a chauffeur-driven car or a one-off payment of sh180 million in lieu of a vehicle, security, a monthly fuel and vehicle repair allowance of sh1.8 million, and a consolidated monthly allowance of sh500,000 to cater for airtime and internet.

Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has commended Buteera’s remarkable legacy, while Director of Public Prosecutions Jane Frances Abodo praised his mentorship of junior prosecutors, including herself, and his efforts to streamline 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 during a special Court of Appeal sitting in his honour last week.

Senior lawyer Peter Kabatsi applauded Buteera, saying he leaves an indelible mark on the administration of justice in Uganda.

“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 not only for his great sense of humour but also for being firm and dependable in the administration of justice.

“As a member of the bar (legal fraternity) for 27 years now, I 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. I can tell you that he has a great sense of humour but is also solid when it comes to the administration of justice,” Sebatindira said.

Court of Appeal justices Fredrick Egonda-Ntende and Hellen Obura praised Buteera for his unwavering commitment to justice and for championing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms that enable quicker and more harmonious resolution of disputes.

Obura, citing a moment when Buteera shared a draft judgment with her for input despite being her senior, commended him for his humility and exceptional leadership.

“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.