Wambuzi @95: Kyabazinga Leads Nation in Saluting Uganda’s ‘Three-Time’ Chief Justice

UgandaToday: Wambuzi @95: Kyabazinga Leads Nation in Saluting Uganda’s ‘Three-Time’ Chief Justice

By Uganda Today Reporter

Kampala, Uganda — Uganda’s legal fraternity and cultural leadership converged in a rare moment of reverence and reflection as the Kyabazinga of Busoga led a moving celebration marking the 95th birthday of former Chief Justice Samuel Wako Wambuzi — a man whose judicial legacy remains unmatched in the country’s history.

The milestone event, held last Saturday, was not merely a birthday commemoration but a tribute to a towering figure whose imprint on Uganda’s judiciary spans decades of political turbulence, institutional rebuilding, and constitutional evolution.

A Rare Judicial “Hat Trick”

Justice Wambuzi’s career is distinguished by an extraordinary feat — serving as Uganda’s Chief Justice across three separate terms, a record yet to be matched:

• 1972–1975
• 1979–1980
• 1986–2001

This rare “hat trick” places him in a league of his own, reflecting not only professional excellence but also the trust successive regimes placed in his leadership during some of Uganda’s most defining historical moments.

Swearing in History: Three Presidents, One Jurist

Beyond his unprecedented tenure, Wambuzi also holds another unique distinction — he is the only Chief Justice to have sworn in three different Presidents of Uganda, each at a critical juncture in the nation’s history:

• Yusuf Lule (1979), following the سقوط of Idi Amin
• Godfrey Binaisa (1979), after Lule’s removal
• Yoweri Museveni (1996), under the new constitutional dispensation

These moments underscore Wambuzi’s central role in stewarding constitutional order during periods of political transition and uncertainty.

Kyabazinga’s Tribute: A Life of Service and Stability

In his address, the Kyabazinga praised Justice Wambuzi as a symbol of integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice. He noted that Wambuzi’s legacy transcends courtrooms, embodying the ideals of national unity and institutional continuity.

The Busoga monarch’s presence added cultural gravitas to the celebration, bridging Uganda’s traditional leadership with its modern state institutions — a testament to the enduring respect Wambuzi commands across all spheres of society.

A Pillar of Uganda’s Legal Foundation

Throughout his decades of service, Wambuzi is credited with helping shape Uganda’s judicial framework, particularly during the post-1986 reconstruction era. His leadership contributed to restoring public confidence in the courts and strengthening the rule of law after years of instability.

Legal scholars and practitioners continue to cite his tenure as foundational in building a resilient judiciary capable of navigating political pressures while upholding constitutional principles.

Celebrating a Living Legacy

At 95, Justice Wambuzi stands as a living archive of Uganda’s legal and political evolution — a jurist who not only witnessed history but actively shaped it.

As tributes poured in from across the country, one message rang clear: Uganda is not merely celebrating a birthday, but honoring a legacy — one defined by duty, dignity, and an enduring commitment to justice.

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