By Leonard Mukooli
Retired judge of the High Court Justice Wilson Musalu Musene has been laid to rest. Musene was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Bunamee cell Kuushu Town Council in Bududa district over the weekend.
He succumbed to acute respiratory complications last week at the age of 67.
The judiciary eulogized the late retired Justice as an indomitable lion and icon of justice in the country.
The Chief Justice Owinyi Dollo, in his message read by Justice Cheborion Barishaki said Musene was a great and exemplary judicial officer who had served his country without hesitation about where he had been placed.
“I had the opportunity to serve with him as a CA delegate, and he was also my OB at Nabumali High School” he said.
Dollo added, saying “Musene has served diligently in all the capacities as a judicial officer and all parts of this country”
While conveying his own message, Barishaki said Musene was a great resource to the institution of judiciary in Uganda and his efforts and service will be missed dearly.
“Musene had offered service above self, that’s why he was able to move across the country in different capacities. Some people, when they are transferred, they complain of hardship. But imagine those days when the roads were not good as they are now, musene went out to serve the people in this country without hesitation and will still appreciate his service above self” said Barishaki.
Barishaki noted until the time of his death, Musene remained a great resource to the judiciary even when he retired recently in 2021, especially with the decisions he made while he was a judge and described the late musene as a personal friend who had inspired him to prepare for his retirement, as they had both gone into farming and were doing great.
Justice John Eudes Keitirima, head of the family Division and President of the East African Magistrates and Judges Association also described Musene as a humorous strong lion that talked boldly when it came to defending the independence and welfare of the judiciary.
“He was an icon in fighting for fair terms of the judicial officers in Uganda and independence of the whole judiciary. Sadly, he has not enjoyed his illustrious service during his retirement, we shall miss his humor” Keitirima said
Catherine Bamugemereire promised to mentor the children who have been left behind to match the footsteps of their father.
“I know you have left for us two children in the judiciary, and we are going to mentor them because that is the way we can support your family,” said Bamugemereire.
John Baptist Nambeshe the Manjiya county Member of Parliament who also doubles as the opposition chief whip described the late as an icon legal mind with a strong sense of mature politics in the Bugisu sub-region that will not be replaced easily.
Nathan nandala Mafabi member of Parliament Budadiri West and also the Forum for democratic change FDC Secretary General praised Musene for being independent and taking decisions that would even annoy those in power.
Justice David Wangutusi said Musaalu and him have been able to grow through the ranks because of discipline, trust in God, being Patriots and consultation where need to be.
“Masalu started from nothing to someone of great value to the country. He has died a wealthy and happy man out of his hard work and commitment to both his family and country.”
Musene Joined the Judiciary in 1983 as a Grade one Magistrate, served as a Chief Magistrate, Inspector of courts and other various capacities finally raising to the level of High Court Judge until when he retired in 2021.
He was also a president of the Uganda Judicial officers association and also served at the East Africa Judges and Magistrates association position.