Prominent Ugandan judge, Justice Christopher Madrama Izama Kakuru, has passed away at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, according to a statement by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo. Justice Kakuru had served on Uganda’s appellate court since 2013 and was known for his human rights advocacy and expertise in public interest litigation.
In 2021, Justice Kakuru applied for early retirement due to health concerns, citing a lifelong condition that required ongoing treatment. Despite his retirement, he remained a respected figure in Uganda’s legal community.
One of Justice Kakuru’s most famous cases was the ‘age limit case’, in which he dissented from four other judges to rule that the 2017 amendment to the Ugandan Constitution removing age limits for presidential and local government candidates was done illegally. He argued that the amendment lacked consultation with the public and other key stakeholders.
Before joining the Judiciary, Justice Kakuru practiced law through his firm, Kakuru and Company Advocates, and was known for his expertise in environmental rights and public interest litigation. He held a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in law from Makerere University, as well as a post-graduate diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre and a master’s degree in educational policy, planning and development from Kyambogo University.
Important Facts about Justice Kakuru
Justice Kakuru was a strong advocate for human rights in Uganda. Throughout his career, he used his position to champion the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups in society.
In addition to his work as a judge, Justice Kakuru was involved in a number of human rights organizations in Uganda. He served on the board of directors of the Human Rights Network Uganda and was a member of the Uganda Law Society’s human rights committee.
One of Justice Kakuru’s most significant contributions to human rights in Uganda was his work on the Bench. As an appellate judge, he was involved in many cases that had important human rights implications. He used his position to advance the rights of women, children, and other marginalized groups, and to ensure that the law was applied fairly and impartially.
Justice Kakuru was also a strong advocate for judicial independence. He believed that judges should be free to make decisions based on the law and the facts of the case, without interference from political or other outside forces. He was vocal in his support of judicial independence and worked to promote this value throughout his career.
Overall, Justice Kakuru’s commitment to human rights and social justice will be remembered as a shining example of what it means to be a judge and a citizen in Uganda. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of lawyers, judges, and human rights activists to fight for a better and more just society.
Expertise in Public Interest Litigation: Justice Kakuru was known for his expertise in public interest litigation. He used his legal skills to fight for the rights of ordinary citizens, and his judgments often set important legal precedents.
Justice Kakuru was also a respected environmental rights attorney. He was committed to protecting Uganda’s natural resources and ensuring that environmental laws were upheld.
Dissenting Judgment in ‘Age Limit Case’: Justice Kakuru gained national attention for his dissenting judgment in the ‘age limit case’. In this case, he was the only judge out of five to rule that the 2017 amendment to the Ugandan Constitution removing age limits for presidential and local government candidates was done illegally.
Justice Kakuru’s legacy as a human rights defender and legal expert will continue to inspire future generations of Ugandan lawyers and judges. His contributions to the field of law and his commitment to social justice will not be forgotten.
The death of Justice Kakuru has been mourned by the Ugandan Judiciary, with Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo describing him as a “human rights defender par excellence” and a valued member of the bench who would be greatly missed.