The Judiciary’s ICT and Documentation Committee has honoured Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court Judge, Justice Dr. Frederick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende, for his exceptional contribution to the digital transformation of Uganda’s justice system, recognizing his pivotal role in laying the foundation for many of the technological innovations that have modernized court operations across the country.
The recognition, presented on behalf of the Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, during a ceremony held in the Chief Justice’s Boardroom at the Supreme Court, comes as Justice Egonda-Ntende prepares to retire from judicial service upon attaining the mandatory retirement age on June 15, 2026.
Members of the ICT and Documentation Committee yesterday gathered to celebrate a judicial career that has been closely associated with innovation, technological advancement, and the modernization of court processes.
Presenting the award, Justice Christopher Madrama Izama, Chairperson of the ICT and Documentation Committee, described Justice Egonda-Ntende as a visionary leader whose foresight helped move Uganda’s Judiciary from a predominantly paper-based institution into the digital era.
He recalled that at a time when court processes largely relied on handwritten records, manual filing systems and physical registries, Justice Egonda-Ntende championed the use of technology to improve efficiency, transparency and access to justice.
“Long before technology became a central pillar of judicial administration, Justice Egonda-Ntende understood its transformative potential and dedicated himself to ensuring that the Judiciary embraced innovation,” Justice Madrama said.
He particularly highlighted Justice Egonda-Ntende’s role in championing the establishment of the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII), a platform that has significantly expanded public access to legislation, case law and legal information.
According to Justice Madrama, what started as a national legal information repository has grown into a globally recognized legal resource that continues to evolve through the adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Justice Madrama also hailed Justice Egonda-Ntende’s leadership as Chairperson of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) Steering Committee, noting that his stewardship was instrumental in the Judiciary’s transition from paper files to digital case management.
“His interventions have intersected very well with the development of artificial intelligence, which is likely to shape the future work of the Judiciary and bring justice closer to the people of Uganda,” he said.
He credited Justice Egonda-Ntende with supporting innovations such as electronic filing, digital registries, automated workflows, virtual court proceedings and electronic records management, reforms that have significantly improved efficiency and reduced delays in service delivery.
“Today, files can be accessed from anywhere, they no longer get lost, and court users do not have to spend long hours waiting for services. We owe much of this progress to his pioneering work in the development of electronic systems that are transforming the Judiciary,” Justice Madrama added.
Beyond technology, Justice Madrama commended Justice Egonda-Ntende’s leadership style, describing him as approachable, supportive and deeply committed to mentoring others.
“You have driven this Committee forward, inspired us and laid a firm foundation. Those who come after you will only build upon the strong foundation you have established,” he said before presenting the Judiciary Appreciation Award.
Receiving the award, Justice Egonda-Ntende described the recognition as both humbling and emotional as he prepares to conclude a distinguished judicial career spanning several decades