By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
The Women’s League if the Democratic Party (DP) has joined Ugandans to mourn the untimely death of Court of Appeal justice Kenneth Kakuru who passed on Tuesday morning at Aga Khan hospital in Nairobi, Kenya
Speaking to journalists at their party headquarters – City House Kampala on Tuesday, Hon. Aisha Waliggo, the president of DP Women’s League eulogized the deceased as an outspoken justice that fought for social justice.
The death of justice Kakuru was announced earlier today (March 7) by the judicial spokesperson, Jamson Karemani who disclosed that he passed on at Aga Khan hospital in Nairobi losing the battle to stage four prostate cancer.
Justice Kakuru gained popularity in 2018 after he dissented from judgement in the age limit case (Amendment of Article 102b) that removed lower and upper caps age limit for the presidential and local government candidates
The outspoken justice said that the removal of age limit was illegal as parliament did not conduct thorough consultations of the public during the process of the amendment.
¶I declare that the entire constitutional amendment Act 1of 2018 is unconstitutional and therefore null and void. All its provisions ought to be expunged from the Constitution¶ Justice Kenneth Kakuru said.
The DP Women’s League challenges that justice Kakuru served with diligence and impartiality calling on other serving judicial officers to exhibit his boldness than serving the interests of the appointing authority.
Funeral arrangements for the deceased will be communicated in our subsequent reports.
Justice Kakuru Famous Quotes
“There is always danger that if the constitution is not strictly complied with, our hard-earned Democracy shall degenerate into authoritarianism which leads to totalitarianism and dictatorship.” – Justice Kakuru on violations of the constitution by the government
“I declare that the entire constitutional amendment Act 1of 2018 is unconstitutional and therefore null and void. All its provisions ought to be expunged from the Constitution.”- Justice Kakuru judgement in petition against the removal of the Presidential Age Limit in 2018.
Eulogies
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo eulogized the deceased as an excellent human rights defender whose contributions to a better judiciary shall be missed.
“Justice Kakuru has been a valued member of the bench since his appointment on July 4, 2013 and He will be greatly missed. He was, through his actions and judgements a human rights defender par excellence,” CJ Owiny-Dollo eulogized
Earlier today we received the sad news of the demise of the Hon Justice Kenneth Kakuru, Justice of the Constitutional Court.
The deceased served with distinction and leaves behind a stellar record of selfless service in the dispensation of justice. pic.twitter.com/s5PawBZZw5— Anita Annet Among (@AnitahAmong) March 7, 2023
Just learnt of the passing of my brother, friend and JCA Kenneth Kakuru. Ken is an epitome of the struggle for Justice and constitutionalism in our country. His environmental activism of many years literally defines the environmental law jurisprudence in Uganda and EAC. RIP pic.twitter.com/F3ZtRwB4dy
— Godber Tumushabe (@GodberTumushabe) March 7, 2023
Saddened by the passing of the Hon Mr Justice Kenneth Kakuru JA .. His Lordship was a tough opinionated and principled judge. We shall certainly miss him. May he rest in eternal peace.
— Elison Karuhanga (@elisonk) March 7, 2023
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Lordship Justice Kenneth Kakuru. A respected and distinguished member of the legal community in Uganda.
As a former member of this Society, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/221RtY4B0E— Makerere Law Society (@lawsocietymak) March 7, 2023
Many called him the star judge, we all remember him for among others; his Age limit judgment.
The star has however fallen and can only remain in our memories.
Rest in peace Justice Kenneth Kakuru pic.twitter.com/Nip0338aBj
— Ritah Kemigisa (@RitahKemigisa) March 7, 2023
