TORORO– Kabosa Village in Kwapa, Tororo District, was filled with joy, gratitude, and celebration as Lady Justice Sarah Langa Siu, the Head Wakiso High Court Circuit was honored during a vibrant thanksgiving ceremony held in her home village.
The event brought together the Judiciary leadership, representatives from the Executive and Legislative arms of Government as well as family, friends, cultural leaders, and well-wishers from across the country to celebrate her life of service and her unwavering commitment to justice.
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The day started with a thanksgiving service which featured a special prayer of dedication led by Bishop Joshua Lwere. There was also intercession for the Judiciary and the justice system at large, the leadership of the country and families.
The main celebrant for the day was Rt Rev Samuel George Bogere Egesa, the Bishop of Bukedi Diocese.
Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny – Dollo, who graced the event as Chief Guest, commended Justice Langa for her remarkable contribution to the transformation of the Judiciary. He emphasized her integrity and dedication, urging female Judicial Officers to emulate her example. “Soon we shall have a female Chief Justice. My sisters in the Judiciary, work with dedication and distinction,” he encouraged.
The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija described Justice Langa as a “hardworking woman” who pours her heart and soul into every task. Reflecting on her work as Chief Registrar now at Wakiso High Court, he lauded her capacity to handle heavy workloads and inspire those around her.
Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Richard Buteera, commended her as a product of strong family values, urging parents to guide and nurture their children as her parents had done. “We shall know them by their fruits — and here you are,” he said.
Justice Jamson Karemani, the co-chair of the organising committee of the Thanksgiving reminded the gathering that “appointments come from the Lord,” and thanked everyone who supported the occasion. He expressed gratitude to Justice Langa for entrusting the organizing committee with delivering such a memorable event.
Eng. Stephen Langa, her brother, shared reflections of their late mother, noting that although she did not have formal education, she was determined to educate her children. He described Justice Langa as “an educated version” of their mother, emphasizing the role of faith and scripture as the foundation of her success.
The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, hailed her predecessor for her great leadership of the Lower Bench. She affirmed their continued prayers and support, confident of her reaching even greater milestones.
“You earned the respect of your peers and the confidence of your superiors, including the appointing authority,” she said.
The Judiciary Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda, who represented Registrars thanked her for the mentorship and her dedication echoing that they still missed her.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Magistrates, HW Nabende thanked Dr. Siu for giving them “a mother and a friend” and highlighted her nurturing leadership style. As a gesture of gratitude, the Chief Magistrates presented two cows, while the Magistrates Grade donated 30 goats.
HW Daphne Ayebare, a Magistrate Grade I and Vice President of the Uganda Judicial Officers Association, thanked Lady Justice Langa for knowing each one of them personally (Magistrates Grade I) and their stations where they were deployed.
Adding, “You disciplined us with kindness. You mentored us well. We are truly blessed to have you,” said.
Her ability to unite and uplift those around her was a recurring theme in all the speeches made, portraying her as a compassionate and visionary leader.
The King of the Jopadhola, the Kwar Adhola Moses Owor expressed pride in Justice Langa’s achievements, noting that she is only the second person from their community to reach such a distinguished position. “Thank you for making your community proud. I had to personally come to convey the appreciation of the Japadhola upon your elevation,” he said.
The Paramount Chief of the Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot, thanked Lady Justice for taking the Judiciary to Kwapa. He thanked the Chief Justice for the operationalization of Kumi High Court Circuit and the gazetted Pallisa High Court. He further thanked the Chief Justice for spearheading efforts of implementing the Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms in dispute resolution.
Justice Isaac Bonny Teko who spoke on behalf of Team 21, representing her cohort of judges, described her as a spiritual, intelligent, uniting, and reliable mentor who welcomed them and guided them during their early days on the bench. They celebrated her as the first female High Court Judge from Tororo and envisioned her potentially rising to even higher positions.
Her daughter Natasha described her mother as a star and a woman of excellence, emphasizing her influence and inspiring spirit. The Siu family expressed gratitude to everyone who joined them in celebrating Justice Langa, wishing her a long and impactful life.
Justice Langa described the Chief Justice as her father and thanked him for his leadership, wise counsel. She thanked the Chief Justice and other members of Top Management for allowing her to be a part of the Judiciary’s transformation agenda. She encouraged members of the Lower Bench to work hard, stay committed as they work for their elevation.
She thanked her husband Dr. Siu for his unwavering support, and her children for their patience and understanding.
The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth celebrated her as the first female Chief Registrar from greater Tororo, describing her appointment as a source of immense pride for the region.
The celebration, entirely funded by Lady Justice Langa’s friends, was filled with praise, worship, music, and moving testimonies. Throughout the day, she was honored not only as a distinguished judicial officer but also as a great mentor, devoted mother and wife, and unifier within her community and the Judiciary at large.
The tributes painted a powerful portrait of a leader whose life embodies integrity, humility, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to justice, leaving a lasting legacy within Uganda’s Judiciary.
