President Museveni has granted an official burial to the late Retired Supreme Court Justice Augustine Nshimye .
This is in recognition of the jurist’s distinguished service to the nation.
Justice Nshimye passed away on Friday at his residence in Kampala after a battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.
Posting on her X (formerly Twitter) account, the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, stated that the National Organising Committee (NOC) is working closely with the family to ensure a befitting send-off for the fallen jurist.
“Dear friends, I wish to inform you that the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has granted an official burial to the late former Minister, Justice of the Supreme Court, and legislator who represented Mityana South Constituency, Hon. Justice Augustine Nshimye,” she wrote.
“Condolences to the family, friends, the people of Mityana, and Ugandans at large. May Hon. Justice Nshimye’s soul rest in eternal peace!”
According to funeral arrangements released by the judiciary on Saturday, an official vigil will be held today, Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the family home on Mawanda Road in Kamwokya starting at 5:00 p.m.
This will be followed by a funeral service on Monday, April 6, at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The final rites will take place on Tuesday, April 7, with a burial ceremony in Namutamba Village, Bulera Sub-county, Mityana District, commencing at 10:00 a.m.
In a statement released on Friday, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija described Justice Nshimye as “a distinguished jurist, seasoned public servant, and statesman whose life was marked by unwavering dedication to justice and national service.”
Born on December 12, 1946, in Namutamba, Bulera Sub-county, present-day Mityana District, Justice Nshimye began his career in public service in 1967 as a senior clerk in the Judiciary. Over the years, he rose steadily through the ranks, serving as a Clerical Officer, Magistrate Grade I, and ultimately as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda.
Between 1986 and 1988, he served as Deputy Chief Registrar before transitioning to private legal practice.
In what Chief Justice Zeija described as “the beginning of an illustrious chapter,” Justice Nshimye returned to the Bench in 2008 as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, which also functions as the Constitutional Court. During this period, he distinguished himself through sound jurisprudence and principled decision-making.
In 2010, he served as acting Justice of the Supreme Court, and in September 2015, he was appointed a substantive Justice of the Supreme Court. That same year, he became the pioneer Chief Inspector of Courts, a role he held alongside his Supreme Court duties, promoting accountability, efficiency, and integrity within the Judiciary.
Justice Nshimye retired from public service in March 2017 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. However, he was reappointed as acting Justice of the Supreme Court for two additional years in recognition of his vast experience.
Even after retirement, he continued to serve the Judiciary as a Court Accredited Mediator attached to the Family Division, demonstrating his enduring commitment to justice and alternative dispute resolution.
Justice Nshimye also made significant contributions to Uganda’s political landscape. Between 1988 and 2008, he served as Member of Parliament for Mityana South Constituency and held the position of Minister for Regional Cooperation, contributing to national policy and regional integration. He was also among the founding members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
According to Chief Justice Zeija, Justice Nshimye was widely recognized for his intellect, humility, and unwavering adherence to the rule of law.
“His legacy is etched in the many lives he touched, the institutions he helped shape, and the jurisprudence he enriched,” Justice Zeija stated, extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.