Kampala– The Judiciary has joinned the rest of the Country, to mourn the passing of retired Supreme Court Judge Augustine Sebutulo Nshimye
In a statement signed by the Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, Nshimye has been described as a distinguished jurist and seasoned public servant whose life was defined by dedication to justice and national service.
“His legacy is etched in the many lives he touched, the institutions he helped shape, and the jurisprudence he enriched,” the statement noted.
He further described the late as a man of intellect, humility, and unwavering integrity whose contributions shaped both the institution and the nation.
The Judiciary extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, honoring a life devoted to justice and public service.
Justice Nshimye, who was born on December 12, 1946, in Namutamba, Bulera Sub-county, Mityana District, passed away on April 3, 2026. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of integrity, service, and commitment to the rule of law.
His public service journey began in 1966 as a clerical officer in the Judiciary. Through diligence and professionalism, he rose through the ranks, serving as Magistrate Grade I and later advancing to senior judicial positions. Between 1986 and 1988, he served as Deputy Chief Registrar before transitioning briefly into private legal practice.
He later returned to the Bench, marking the start of an illustrious judicial career. In 2008, he was appointed to the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court, where he earned recognition for his sound jurisprudence and principled rulings. His career peaked in September 2015 when he was appointed a substantive Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda, having earlier served in an acting capacity from 2010.
In the same year, he became the pioneer Chief Inspector of Courts, a role in which he championed accountability, efficiency, and integrity within the Judiciary.
Justice Nshimye retired from public service in March 2017 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70, but his expertise remained invaluable. He was subsequently reappointed as Acting Justice of the Supreme Court for two years.
Beyond the Judiciary, he played a significant role in Uganda’s political landscape, serving as Member of Parliament for Mityana South Constituency and later as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation, contributing to regional integration and national policy.
At the time of his death, he continued to serve as a Court Accredited Mediator in the Family Division, reflecting his enduring commitment to alternative dispute resolution and access to justice.
In a statement issued by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, the Judiciary described Justice Nshimye as a man of intellect, humility, and unwavering integrity whose contributions shaped both the institution and the nation.
“His legacy is etched in the many lives he touched, the institutions he helped shape, and the jurisprudence he enriched,” the statement noted.
The Judiciary extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, honoring a life devoted to justice and public service.
