Uganda is mourning the passing of retired Supreme Court Justice Augustine Sebutulo Nshimye, who died on Friday at the age of 79 after a distinguished career in law and public service.
According to the Judiciary of Uganda, an official vigil will be held on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his family home on Mawanda Road in Kamwokya starting at 5:00 p.m. This will be followed by a funeral service on Monday, April 6, at All Saints Cathedral beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The final burial rites will take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his ancestral home in Namutamba Village, Bulera Sub-county, Mityana District, starting with a service at 10:00 a.m.
Justice Nshimye’s career spanned decades of service in Uganda’s legal system. He served as Deputy Chief Registrar between 1986 and 1988 before joining private practice. In 2008, he returned to the Bench as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, which also doubles as the Constitutional Court, where he earned recognition for his sound jurisprudence and principled decision-making.
In 2010, he served as Acting Justice of the Supreme Court and was later appointed a substantive Justice in 2015. The same year, he became the pioneer Chief Inspector of Courts, a role in which he promoted accountability, efficiency, and integrity within the Judiciary.
Even after retiring in 2017 upon reaching the mandatory age, he was reappointed as Acting Justice of the Supreme Court for two more years, reflecting the high regard for his expertise. He later continued serving as a Court Accredited Mediator, contributing to alternative dispute resolution.
Beyond the judiciary, Justice Nshimye also played a significant role in Uganda’s political landscape. He served as Member of Parliament for Mityana South from 1988 to 2008 and held the position of Minister for Regional Cooperation. He was also among the founding members of the National Resistance Movement.
Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo praised him as a man of intellect, humility, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law, noting that his legacy lives on through the institutions he helped shape and the many lives he impacted.
Justice Nshimye’s death marks the end of a remarkable era, leaving behind a legacy of service, integrity, and dedication to justice in Uganda.
