Moses Kazibwe Kawumi: A Look at Uganda's New Deputy Chief Justice

President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Moses Kazibwe Kawumi as Uganda’s new Deputy Chief Justice. Justice Kazibwe, who is currently serving as a Justice of the Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court, will deputize Chief Justice Flavian Zeija and play a key role in the administration of the Judiciary.

Born in 1963, Justice Kazibwe was called to the Bar in 1989 after earning a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre. He further expanded his expertise with postgraduate qualifications in management from the Uganda Management Institute.

His distinguished career began in private practice before he dedicated several years to the Legal Aid Project of the Uganda Law Society, championing the rights of indigent clients. He later moved to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), where he held significant legal positions for over a decade, contributing to successful litigation strategies and the implementation of cost-saving dispute resolution mechanisms.

Justice Kazibwe returned to private practice as a Managing Partner before his appointment as a High Court Judge in 2016. During his tenure on the High Court, he served in Kabale and Mubende circuits, playing a role in establishing new High Court circuits. In April 2024, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal.

Beyond his judicial roles, Justice Kazibwe has contributed to legal education as an Assistant Lecturer and part-time lecturer. He is also an accredited Court Annexed Mediator and is involved in community work, notably with an organization supporting disadvantaged girls.

His formal assumption of duties as Deputy Chief Justice is pending parliamentary vetting.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)