FEATURE | The appointment of Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga as Acting Principal Judge is a defining moment in her 25-year legal career. A former state prosecutor turned High Court judge, she now steps into one of the top judicial positions in Uganda—administrative head of the High Court and third in the Judiciary’s chain of command after the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice.

Her new role places her in charge of managing High Court operations across the country, including supervising judges, guiding judicial performance, and overseeing case management reforms. Those familiar with her work describe her as disciplined, methodical, and unshaken by pressure—qualities that have guided her throughout her public service.

From Prosecutor to the Bench

Justice Kajuga began her legal career in 1999 at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Rising through the ranks, she became a Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and served for over a decade as the ODPP’s spokesperson.

She is widely recognized for prosecuting some of Uganda’s most high-profile cases. These include the conviction of Teddy Ssezi Cheeye for misusing Global Fund resources, the retrial of Kato Kajubi in a ritual murder case, and the conviction of Jackline Nsenga Uwera for murdering her husband. Her prosecutorial approach was known to be firm but devoid of theatrics.

Judging High-Profile and Sensitive Cases

Appointed as a High Court judge in 2019, she was posted to the Anti-Corruption Division, where she presided over sensitive cases involving political figures. In the Karamoja iron sheets scandal, she declined to dismiss charges against State Minister Amos Lugoloobi, ruling that the matter needed to be fully tried.

In another related case involving Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu, she controversially ordered the media out of court during proceedings, citing the need to protect the integrity of the trial. The move was met with criticism from press freedom advocates, who viewed it as an overreach, while supporters pointed to her concern for procedural fairness.

Justice Reformer and Advocate for Efficiency

Beyond rulings, Justice Kajuga is recognized as one of the key judicial figures behind the rollout of plea bargaining in Uganda. In March 2025, she led a plea bargain camp at Kitalya Mini Max Prison that resolved over 200 cases—a move aimed at reducing case backlog and easing congestion in detention facilities.

Mentor and Role Model

Justice Kajuga remains closely tied to legal education. In April, she returned to Makerere University School of Law—her alma mater—as a guest judge for a moot court competition. Her message to students was grounded: technical ability is important, but so is integrity, humility, and service.

For many young legal professionals, particularly women, she represents the possibility of rising through Uganda’s justice system through merit and perseverance.

A Private Life, By Design

While Justice Kajuga’s legal career is well documented, her personal life remains largely private. She is known for keeping a low profile outside work, rarely appearing in the media unless it relates to her judicial responsibilities. Colleagues describe her as reflective and self-contained, someone who finds comfort in staying out of the limelight.

The Road Ahead

Her appointment as Acting Principal Judge comes at a time when Uganda’s judiciary faces rising expectations for speed, accountability, and transparency. She will be expected to oversee judicial efficiency, reduce backlogs, and support her fellow judges in handling complex and politically charged cases.

For her admirers, Justice Kajuga steps into this complex role without fanfare—guided by the same quiet, steady resolve that has defined her career. Her critics remain skeptical, unsure whether her leadership will bring significant change, and some continue to question certain courtroom decisions she has made. Yet, her track record reflects a judicial officer whose commitment to the rule of law has been consistent and evident throughout her service.