by Executive Editor
The daughter of fallen Justice of the Court of Appeal has revealed her father’s last moment.
Justice Kenneth Kakuru died in Nairobi days ago.
In that regard, the Judiciary Thursday held a special Court of Appeal session in his honour.
While eulogizing her father, Samantha Kakuru Mwesigwa revealed that Justice Kakuru loved the law, and that he was “passionate about it.”
“He was passionate about getting justice for the indigent – Samantha Kakuru Mwesigwa
During court vacation, he would organize his files and work through it. He was a backlog fighter. Two weeks ago, he called from Nairobi when he was frail and dictated to me a court judgment, the last that he wrote. That is how passionate he was about his work,” Mwesigwa said.
Eulogies
“It is true that Justice Kakuru applied for early retirement. I informed the President he had applied for early retirement through me but I told him I had declined to send it to him. Why? Because I knew he was a workaholic and would die much sooner in retirement. “Together with the Permanent Secretary, we ensured that he got the best treatment both in Uganda and abroad,” Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo.
“The Late Justice Kenneth Kakuru exceeded his call of duty. Using his own money, He bought shelves for the criminal registry at the court. He bought trolleys to enable staff move bulk court documents to chambers and court. He carried no grudges, no I’ll feelings or malice. Justice Kakuru worked for the welfare of staff at the Court of Appeal,” Deputy CJ, Richard Buteera.
“Passion for the rule of law, the love for Judiciary and the country was immense. We will definitely miss him and his legacy will live on. Kakuru loved his work and died doing his work. And that is his accountability to the people of Uganda,” Principal Judge, Dr Flavian Zeija.
“Kakuru was fiercely independent but accountable and observed collegiality. JSC commends the service of Justice Kakuru and prays that the same is emulated,” Benjamin Kabiito, the Chairperson, Judicial Service Commission – JSC.
