The Judiciary has today held a special sitting in honor of retired Justice Fredrick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende, one of Uganda’s most respected jurists, recognised for his outstanding contribution to constitutionalism, judicial independence, and the promotion of the rule of law.

Colleagues, legal practitioners, family, and friends described him as a principled judge whose decisions helped shape Uganda’s legal landscape and strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.

The Court of Appeal convened a special sitting in honor of Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende as he officially retires upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.

The ceremony brought together members of the judiciary, the legal fraternity, family, and friends to celebrate his decades of dedicated service to Uganda’s justice system.

Throughout his judicial career, Justice Egonda-Ntende earned recognition for his firm commitment to fairness, constitutionalism, judicial independence, and the rule of law.

Judicial officers at the sitting praised him as a courageous and principled jurist whose judgments contributed significantly to strengthening Uganda’s justice system.

According to Hon. Justice Isaac Teko Bonny, Justice Egonda-Ntende also played a key role in improving access to justice through the promotion of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System, which has enhanced efficiency in the handling of court cases within the judiciary.

Justice Hellen Abulu Obura described him as a dedicated judicial officer whose service and professionalism inspired many within the legal fraternity.

In his remarks, Justice Egonda-Ntende thanked the Judiciary and fellow judicial officers for the support and cooperation accorded to him throughout his years of service.

He noted that teamwork, professionalism, and commitment greatly contributed to the achievements registered during his judicial career.

Justice Egonda-Ntende also encouraged judicial officers to remain steadfast, uphold integrity, and continue delivering justice fairly and faithfully to all Ugandans.

Justice Egonda-Ntende is widely respected both in Uganda and internationally for his contribution to the legal profession and the strengthening of judicial systems.

He previously served as Chief Justice of the Seychelles between 2009 and 2014 after being sworn in in the capital, Victoria. He also played a major role in supporting judicial reforms in East Timor, where he served as a judge of the Court of Appeal.

The retiring jurist further served as an international judge in Kosovo under the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, where he handled complex international criminal cases, including drug trafficking matters.

In Uganda, Justice Egonda-Ntende served as a High Court judge from 1991 to 2000 before rising to the Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court. He studied law at Makerere University and later attained further legal qualifications in Uganda and the United Kingdom.

In recognition of his distinguished contribution to law, justice, mediation, and academia spanning more than four decades, Makerere University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2024.

Justice Egonda-Ntende leaves behind a legacy strongly associated with judicial independence, constitutionalism, fairness, and access to justice.