Uganda Appoints Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi as Deputy Chief Justice
Kampala, Uganda – In a significant move for Uganda’s judiciary, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi as the country’s new Deputy Chief Justice. The appointment underscores Kazibwe’s distinguished legal career, which spans over three decades and encompasses roles in private practice, academia, public administration, and the judiciary.
Justice Kazibwe steps into the role following the elevation of Flavian Zeija to Chief Justice three months ago. His appointment marks the culmination of a journey that began in 1989 when he was called to the Bar. Since then, Kazibwe has built a reputation as a dedicated and versatile legal professional.
Born on August 22, 1963, Kazibwe’s legal journey began at Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree. He later pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Law Development Centre and expanded his expertise with management studies at the Uganda Management Institute, earning both a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and a Master’s Degree in Management Studies.
Kazibwe’s early career saw him serve as a Legal Associate at Kawanga & Kasule Advocates, where he honed his skills in litigation, legal drafting, and client advisory services. His passion for justice soon led him to the Legal Aid Project of the Uganda Law Society, where he worked between 1992 and 1998. During this time, he advocated for indigent clients, participated in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) initiatives, and conducted human rights and legal education programs.
In 1998, Kazibwe transitioned to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), where he spent over a decade rising through the ranks. He began as Principal Revenue Officer (Legal) and eventually became Assistant Commissioner in Charge of Litigation. His tenure at URA was marked by significant achievements, including boosting the litigation division’s success rate to 75% and implementing ADR strategies that slashed litigation costs.
After leaving URA in 2011, Kazibwe returned to private practice as Managing Partner of Kazibwe-Kawumi & Company Advocates, focusing on commercial law, land law, and taxation. His expertise also extended to consultancy services for institutional and infrastructure-related projects.
Kazibwe’s judicial career began in April 2016 when he was appointed Judge of the High Court of Uganda. He served as Resident Judge at the Kabale High Court Circuit until October 2022, during which he facilitated the operationalization of the Rukungiri High Court Circuit. Later, he served at the Mubende High Court Circuit, where his report led to the establishment of a High Court Circuit in Kiboga—a critical step in expanding access to justice.
In April 2024, Kazibwe was elevated to the Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court, where he has served as a Justice of Appeal. Beyond adjudication, he remains active in legal reform and mediation, serving on the Judiciary Law Reform Committee and as an accredited Court Annexed Mediator.
Kazibwe’s contributions extend beyond the courtroom. He has taught at the Law Development Centre and Uganda Christian University and is involved in community and faith-based initiatives. Notably, he serves as an advisor to Grace Villa Limited, a Kabale-based nonprofit supporting disadvantaged girls through education sponsorship and shelter.
As Deputy Chief Justice, Kazibwe brings decades of courtroom experience, administrative leadership, and legal scholarship to the role. His appointment reaffirms his standing as one of Uganda’s most seasoned judicial officers, poised to contribute significantly to the country’s legal landscape.
— Reported by Nexio News
