Justice Egonda-Ntende: A distinguished judge overlooked for top roles

Justice Frederick Martin Egonda-Ntende, a jurist celebrated for his sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to justice, is set to retire from the Court of Appeal this year, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. His distinguished career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by significant contributions to Uganda’s legal landscape, yet he has consistently been overlooked for the highest judicial offices.

Appointed to the Court of Appeal 13 years ago, following a five-year tenure as Chief Justice of Seychelles, Justice Egonda-Ntende has seen numerous colleagues promoted to the Supreme Court, while he remained in his position. His aspiration to lead the judiciary, particularly to succeed Bart Katureebe as Chief Justice in 2020, was thwarted, a situation he alluded to with a touch of resignation, questioning if his application would lead to further rejection.

During a special send-off, Justice Egonda-Ntende offered a poignant critique of the judiciary’s role in detaining political opponents, highlighting cases where individuals were held for prolonged periods without trial, causing immense suffering to their families. His judicial philosophy emphasizes not just legal acumen but also the role of judges as “change agents” dedicated to transforming the judiciary into an effective and equitable institution.

His career includes landmark rulings, such as his participation in the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding Gen David Tinyefuza’s status in the army and his solitary ruling in 2002 to annul the election of Amama Mbabazi, then a close ally of President Museveni. These decisions, often challenging established political power, are seen by some as having curtailed his advancement within the Ugandan judiciary, despite international recognition for his work in establishing an independent judiciary in East Timor.

Justice Egonda-Ntende’s dedication to upholding the constitution and the rule of law, even when it meant confronting powerful interests, has earned him widespread praise from the legal fraternity. His honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Makerere University in 2023 is a testament to his indelible impact on Uganda’s legal system.