Kampala, Uganda – The Judicial Service Commission has launched a search for a new Deputy Chief Justice, as Richard Buteera prepares to retire in April 2025.
Buteera, who will turn 70, has had a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He began his legal career in 1980 as an Assistant Lecturer/Research Fellow at Makerere University’s Faculty of Law.
The ideal candidate will have served as a justice of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or High Court, or have at least 15 years of experience as an advocate.
“The law demands that the position must be advertised six months before,” said James Ereemye Mawanda, Judiciary Public Relations Officer. “We shall miss our DCJ, as a career judicial official and as an administrator since you can’t stop retirement.”
Buteera’s retirement marks the end of an era in Uganda’s judiciary. He has served as Director of Public Prosecutions, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Justice of the Supreme Court.
The Judicial Service Commission will review candidates based on their qualifications and experience. The appointment of the new Deputy Chief Justice is expected to be made in the coming months.
The Deputy Chief Justice plays a critical role in Uganda’s judiciary, serving as administrative head of the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court and deputizing the Chief Justice.
Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera is a highly accomplished legal mind in Uganda, with a career spanning over four decades. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania and began his legal career in 1980 as an Assistant Lecturer/Research Fellow at Makerere University’s Faculty of Law
Buteera’s impressive resume includes serving as Director of Public Prosecutions, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Justice of the Supreme Court. In 2020, he was appointed Deputy Chief Justice, but his appointment was challenged by city lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi, who argued that the Judicial Service Commission had not recommended Buteera’s name to President Museveni.
Throughout his career, Buteera has emphasized the importance of Alternative Justice Strategy (ADR) in delivering timely and fair justice, highlighting the integration of African traditional methods in mediation ¹. As Deputy Chief Justice, he has played a critical role in Uganda’s judiciary, serving as administrative head of the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court and deputizing the Chief Justice.
Buteera’s retirement in April 2025, upon reaching the age of 70, has prompted the Judicial Service Commission to initiate a search for his replacement.
The Commission is seeking eligible Ugandan citizens with extensive experience as justices of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or High Court, or those with at least 15 years of experience as advocates.
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