PROFILE: Prof Andrew Khaukha scales heights to become High Court judge

Prof.Andrew Khaukha is among the 21 judges of the High Court recently sworn in by President Museveni at a function held at State House in Entebbe.

Speaking to the new judges, the president urged them to emphasise Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Justice Andrew Khaukha is a distinguished legal professional with extensive experience in judicial reforms, legislative drafting, legal research, and alternative dispute resolution.

His career spans over two decades, during which he has significantly contributed to Uganda’s legal landscape through policy development, legal advisory services, and court administration.

At the time of his appointment as acting judge of the High Court, he was serving as the Technical Advisor to the Judiciary, where he played a pivotal role in advising the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, the Principal Judge, and the Chief Registrar on judicial reforms.

He has been instrumental in drafting key legal rameworks, including the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules, the Constitution (Land Eviction) Practice Directions, and the Plea Bargaining Guidelines.

His expertise in case backlog reduction strategies and sentencing guidelines has enhanced efficiency within the Judiciary.

His work has focused on driving innovations, reforms, and the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) across Uganda.

Professor Khaukha joined the Judiciary on secondment from the Uganda Law Reform Commission at the request of the former Chief Justice, the Honorable Justice Benjamin Odoki.

This appointment was based on his extensive experience in legal reforms, spanning over twenty years.

He was instrumental in the development of sentencing guidelines, which introduced a uniform and consistent approach to sentencing in Uganda.

Prof Khaukha also played a key role in the development of guidelines, the rollout of Plea Bargaining, as well as managing the mid-term review process of the Judiciary’s Strategic Investment Plans.

In 2017, Professor Khaukha was honored with the Person of the Year Award by the Global Justice Programme in recognition of his exceptional support to the Chief Justice, Principal Judge, Chief Registrar, and the entire Judiciary.

His efforts were particularly recognized for coordinating the Justice, Law, and Order Sector (JLOS) institutions in the successful implementation of Plea Bargaining within Uganda’s criminal justice system.

Professor Jim Gash, Director of the Global Justice Programme at Pepperdine University, remarked, “Andrew is passionate and has been the hands-on person for the roll-out of Plea Bargaining countrywide.”

In addition to his advisory role, Professor Khaukha currently heads the Secretariat of the Africa Chief Justices ADR Forum.

In this capacity, he is responsible for coordinating the activities of this continental forum, further cementing his reputation as a spearhead in ADR.

Throughout his career, Professor Khaukha has served as an advisor to three Chief Justices; Justice Benjamin Odoki, Justice Bart Katureebe, and Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo.

His dedication to legal reform, innovation, and the advancement of justice continues to leave an unforgettable mark on Uganda’s Judiciary.

Beyond his contributions to the Judiciary, Professor Khaukha has also served as a Legal Advisor to President Museveni on anti-corruption matters for seven years. In this capacity, he provided guidance and expertise in the fight against corruption, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting good governance.

In addition to his role in Uganda, Professor Khaukha has served as an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, USA.

Professor Khaukha’s holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) from Makerere University, a Master of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from Makerere University.

He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma from the Law Development Centre in Kampala and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting from the International Law Institute in Washington, D.C.