General
Citation Award of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa of Makerere University to Hon. Justice Frederick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende
Hon. Justice Frederick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende is being awarded a Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa of Makerere University in recognition of a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in legal practice, international adjudication and mediation and academia.
He was born in 1956 and educated at Makerere University where he received a Bachelor of Laws degree, with honours. His postgraduate qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre; and a Master of Laws degree in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
As one of the few advocates practicing in Jinja district in the 1980s and 1990s, he rose to become Vice President of the Uganda Law Society. He is the immediate past Chairperson of Law Council and has been a Judge and Justice of the following courts: Chief Justice, High Court of the Seychelles (2009 to 2014); Acting Justice, Supreme Court of Uganda (May 2008 to Jan 2009); International Judge, United Nations Mission in Kosovo (2002-2004); Judge, Court of Appeal of East Timor (2000-2001); Justice, Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court of Uganda (2000 to date); and Judge, High Court of Uganda (1991-2000).
He contributed to the reorganization of the Uganda Law Society, following several years in which the Association was either banned or handicapped in operation. He has lectured Law at Makerere University and was the Chairperson of the Law Reporting Committee of the Judiciary.
As Chairperson of the Judicial Training Committee (1996-97), he set out a broad framework, still in place today, for the design and delivery of programs on judicial education which were intended to develop and enhance knowledge & skills for new and serving judicial officers.
Well known as a Technology “geek”, he pioneered the establishment of the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII) – a free online legal information database, that publishes and provides the public with primary legal information including decisions of courts of record in Uganda.
As Chairperson of the Working Committee on the Computerization of the Registries in the Uganda Judiciary (1996-97) and the first chairperson of the Technology Committee of the Judiciary of Uganda (1997), he was instrumental in the development of the Technology and Automation Plan for the judiciary and the design and implementation of the Computerized Case Administration System, which culminated into the adoption of the now-indispensable Electronic Court Case Management Information System, which has improved court efficiency.
His judicial imprint has been felt in virtually all areas of the law, from constitutional law and contract law to family law, human rights and international law. In Osotraco v. The Attorney General of Uganda, he rejected an age-old barrier to remedies against government based on the new constitutional dispensation. In Fredrick Kato v Ann Njoki, he invalidated a discriminatory colonial-era statutory provision which barred Africans from accessing the High Court in divorce matters. In Salvatori Abuki and Another v Attorney General, he explained that the right to life under the Constitution included a right to a livelihood. In Major General David Tinyefuza Munungu v. The Attorney General of Uganda, he highlighted the importance of the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy as a guide to the contextual interpretation of the Constitution. Furthermore, in Re: Nicholas Mwanja, he called for the reform of the systems of adoption and guardianship which eventually found their way into the Children’s Act of 2016, and in Attorney General v Susan Kigula and 417 Others he charted a pragmatic path towards the use of international legal norms in the construction of the national legal framework.
Throughout the breadth and depth of his jurisprudence, a consistent thread is to be found: an expression of views without fear or favour; unquestionable belief in the independence of the judiciary, coupled with a commitment to increasing access to justice for common people.
At the international level, he has distinguished himself as not only an international judge of repute but also a development practitioner who turns dysfunctional judicial institutions to productive and efficient systems. To this end, he has contributed to the administrative growth of different judiciaries around the world.
In Seychelles, where he served as Chief Justice (2009-2014), he started a judicial program for judges and other judicial officers and introduced digital recording technology in the judiciary which together with his strong and efficient oversight, turned around the productivity of judicial officers in the country. He also pioneered the establishment of the Seychelles Legal Information Institute.
In East Timor, he was appointed Judge of the Court of Appeal (2000-2001) at a time the province had just broken away from Indonesia. He was involved in the setting up of an independent judiciary.
As an International Judge in Kosovo, he made great contribution in the fight against serious crimes including war crimes, genocide, and terrorism. He also played a critical role in strengthening the Kosovo judiciary and establishing the rule of law that country.
As an international civil servant, Justice Egonda-Ntende has been true to the highest creeds of humanity – integrity, excellence, discipline, passion and, above all, service above self. His record of international service paved way for many Ugandan judicial officers to be sought after in many countries.
He has carried out his task as a judge and justice with humility, utmost incorruptibility and unwavering fealty to the cause of justice and equality embedded in the judicial oath.
For his professional achievements and significant contribution, Makerere University is proud and honored to confer upon Justice Frederick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa of Makerere University and all the rights, duties and privileges pertaining thereto.
Orator: Dr. Josephine Ndagire, School of Law
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
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