The Principal Judge and Patron of the International Association of Women Judges Uganda Chapter, Jane Frances Abodo, has emphasized the importance of mentorship in strengthening Uganda’s justice institutions during a colourful handover ceremony held at the Supreme Court Building Conference Hall in Kampala on Saturday.
The ceremony marked the official transition of leadership within the Association, with Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya assuming office as President of the Association, taking over from Elizabeth Jane Alividza in an event characterised by celebration, mentorship, gratitude, and inspiration.
Speaking during the ceremony, Lady Justice Abodo described the occasion as “a beautiful day,” humorously noting that she had not expected to dance so early on a Saturday morning.
She paid tribute to the mentees present and underscored the central role mentorship plays in strengthening institutions involved in the administration of justice.
“If we want strong institutions like the Judiciary, the Uganda Law Society, the Office of the DPP and civil society, we must mentor the young people because the law, by its nature, is a noble profession,” she said.
Lady Justice Abodo observed that legal professionals often carry the responsibility of helping others navigate emotional pain while dealing with their own personal challenges, highlighting the need for strong mentorship structures within the legal profession.
She applauded the outgoing executive for laying a strong foundation for the Association and noted the significant increase in the number of women joining the legal profession compared to earlier years when classes at the Law Development Centre were considerably smaller.
Lady Justice Abodo pledged the Judiciary’s continued support to the Association and encouraged members to think beyond Uganda in their work and impact, while also emphasizing the importance of male allies in advancing gender equality.
Addressing women in leadership, she observed that many women still struggle with inferiority complexes in leadership spaces and commended the Association for challenging stereotypes that place certain offices and responsibilities along gender lines.
“Women are capable of achieving just as much,” she said.
Lady Justice Abodo concluded by wishing the new President, Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya, God’s abundant blessings and success during her three-year tenure.
In her remarks, Lady Justice Mukwaya commended the Patron of the Association for her timekeeping and presence at the ceremony, noting that the occasion was not merely for speeches but for honouring the former leadership and celebrating the mentorship and steady guidance that had shaped the Association over the years.
“This is not a day for speaking; it is a day for honouring,” she said, paying tribute to President Emeritus Lady Justice Alividza for her dedicated service and leadership.
In an emotional and reflective address, Lady Justice Alividza thanked the Principal Judge for accepting to serve as Patron of the Association.
She shared her personal journey from her early days at FIDA Uganda in her twenties to joining the Judiciary in the 1990s, where she served at Buganda Road Court handling capital offences.
Lady Justice Alividza recalled how the role brought her into close interaction with senior female judicial officers who mentored and guided her throughout her career.
She also fondly remembered attending an international conference in Manila in 1994/1995 while serving as a Magistrate Grade One, describing the experience as transformative and life-changing.
Lady Justice Alividza narrated how the late Maria Ssali supported her with USD 1,000 (approximately Shs3.78 million) towards the trip while the Judiciary provided the balance, enabling her to join a global network of women judges.