The judges include Supreme court justice Esther Kisaakye, who reportedly fled the country following what her lawyers at KBW Advocates described as threats to her life. Kisaakye’s troubles began after delivering a dissenting judgment in the 2021 presidential election petition filed by National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, who challenged the re-election of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In an unrelated incident, High court judge Lydia Mugambe faces legal troubles in the United Kingdom. She was arrested and charged in connection with a modern slavery investigation in Oxfordshire. Mugambe is accused of facilitating the travel of a housemaid with the intent to exploit her through forced labour, in violation of UK immigration laws. Her trial is scheduled to begin on February 10, 2025, following her formal charge on August 7, 2024, after a Crown Prosecution Service review.
Meanwhile, another High court judge, Faridah Bukirwa, has been directed to vacate her office. Principal judge Dr Flavian Zeija stated that her judicial appointment had not been confirmed by the appointing authority, rendering her position invalid.
During the judiciary’s quarterly press conference, permanent secretary Pius Bigirimana declined to provide clarity on the status of the three judges. When asked about Kisaakye’s employment status and whether she continues to draw a salary despite being out of the country, Bigirimana deflected responsibility, pointing journalists to the chief justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo.
In July 2022, Bigirimana had written to Kisaakye demanding an explanation for her nine-month absence without official leave and threatening to recover the salary paid during her absence. However, when pressed on the matter, Bigirimana maintained that he lacked evidence of Kisaakye’s whereabouts.
“Where is she? Where is the evidence that shows that she’s out of the country. I’m telling you that’s why I said that matters of ‘Generals’ leave them to ‘Generals’ because you see Kisaakye is supervised by the chief justice not me. If you want ask the chief justice,” said Bigirimana.
On justice Bukirwa, Bigirimana reiterated that he does not supervise judges, stating that her contract was not renewed due to unresolved issues. “The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) communicated that her contract was not renewed. I’m still awaiting further communication from the JSC,” he added.
Regarding Mugambe’s case, Bigirimana deflected inquiries to the judiciary’s public relations officer. He stressed that his role is primarily administrative, aimed at supporting judicial officers in their duties.
When asked whether the judiciary continues to pay the three judges, Bigirimana said that that no directive to stop payments had been issued by his supervisors.
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