news 11 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Justice Egonda-Ntende: A Jurist Who Championed the Ugandan Constitution Retires
Justice Frederick Egonda-Ntende, a distinguished jurist known for his commitment to constitutionalism and human rights, is retiring after over three decades on the Bench. His career was marked by a deep-seated desire to "breathe life" into Uganda's Constitution. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/justice-egonda-ntende-jurist-who-sought-to-breathe-life-into-uganda-s-constitution-retires-5455090
Justice Frederick Egonda-Ntende, a respected figure in Uganda’s judiciary, is set to retire upon reaching the mandatory age of 70. Throughout his distinguished career spanning over three decades, Justice Egonda-Ntende has been recognized as an independent-minded judge dedicated to reform, constitutionalism, and the protection of human rights.
His judicial philosophy was profoundly shaped by an early experience as a young lawyer where he felt the Constitution’s provisions were disregarded in court. This led him to aspire to a role where he could invigorate the Constitution, ensuring its words provided full protection and enjoyment of the law for all.
Justice Egonda-Ntende’s path to the bench was somewhat serendipitous, prompted by a call for senior legal practitioners to address a shortage of judges in the early 1990s. He took his oath as a High Court judge on November 19, 1991, and has since served in various jurisdictions.
During his tenure, he participated in several pivotal cases that have shaped Uganda’s legal landscape. This includes a notable case involving General David Sejusa’s challenge to his status within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, where the court ruled that a military officer could not simultaneously hold a civilian presidential appointment.
His influential decisions also extended to electoral justice, such as nullifying the election of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi in Kinkizi West. Furthermore, his jurisprudence robustly defended civil liberties, asserting that state agents implicated in human rights violations could be held personally liable.
Justice Egonda-Ntende was also known for his willingness to dissent, even in landmark cases. He was among the dissenting voices in a constitutional challenge to Uganda’s criminal abortion laws, arguing that the existing framework disproportionately harmed women and girls.
Beyond Uganda, his judicial expertise was sought internationally. He served as the Chief Justice of Seychelles and contributed to establishing an independent judiciary in East Timor. He also played a role in shaping legal standards within Uganda as chairperson of the Law Council.
Colleagues describe Justice Egonda-Ntende as polished, reflective, and intellectually rigorous. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, judicial independence, and meaningful legal reform, inspiring many who believe he embodied the qualities of a Chief Justice.