Kampala, Uganda: Retired Supreme Court Justice, Augustine Nshimye has passed away, bringing to an end a long and distinguished career in Uganda’s Judiciary and public service.
The Judiciary confirmed his death on Friday morning, stating that Justice Nshimye died at his residence in Kampala.
Judiciary Public Relations Officer Mr James Ereemye Mawanda confirmed the development. “It’s true, he is gone. As the Judiciary, the institution that he served, we will come up with an official statement soon,” he said.
Sources close to the family indicated that the veteran jurist had been battling cancer-related complications.
He had recently been discharged from hospital and returned home, where he was receiving care until his passing.
A Distinguished Legal Career
Justice Nshimye’s career in public service spanned decades, marked by steady progression through Uganda’s legal system.
He began his journey in 1967 as a senior clerk before rising through various judicial ranks. Between 1986 and 1988, he served as Deputy Chief Registrar, after which he briefly joined private legal practice.
Nshimye’s judicial career took a significant turn in 2008 when he was appointed to the Court of Appeal, which also doubles as the Constitutional Court.
In 2010, he was appointed acting Justice of the Supreme Court before being confirmed as a substantive Justice in September 2015.
He served on the apex court until March 2017, when he retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
In a testament to his experience and expertise, he was later reappointed as an acting Justice of the Supreme Court for an additional two years.
Service Beyond the Bench
Beyond the Judiciary, Justice Nshimye played a key role in Uganda’s political landscape. He served as Member of Parliament for Mityana South from 1988 to 2008 and also held the position of Minister for Regional Cooperation in the NRM government.
He was among the founding members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), contributing to the country’s political development during critical periods.
Justice Nshimye is also remembered for his work in strengthening judicial accountability.
In 2015, he was appointed Inspector of Courts, a role he served alongside his Supreme Court duties, and is widely regarded as the pioneer Chief Inspector of Courts.
His death marks the loss of one of Uganda’s seasoned legal minds whose contributions shaped both the Judiciary and governance over several decades.
The Judiciary, in collaboration with the family, is expected to release an official statement and announce burial arrangements in due course.
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