Hon Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-dollo, the Chief Justice of Uganda has revealed that the late Justice Ruby Opio Aweri was scheduled to retire in May 2023 had death not taken him.
Justice Owiny dollo disclosed this during a special district council sitting held in Lira in honor of the fallen Justice.
In his message delivered to mourners by Hon Justice Phillip Odoki, Judge of the High Court, the Chief Justice explained that late Opio Aweri died on the front line while serving the judiciary after 40 years, leaving an undisputable legacy.
“Justice Aweri, having diligently served his country for about 40 years was due to retire on the 31st of May 2023 upon clocking 70 years of age," he said. "His meritorious four-decade service leaves a trail of impeccable character, sound output and inherent commitment. The Judiciary, the legal fraternity and the country at large has lost an icon of justice.”
According to the Administration of the Judiciary Act 2020, Justice Aweri was upon retirement entitled to; (1) a monthly retirement benefit equivalent to 8% of the salary payable to a sitting judge, (2) a one off lump sum retirement benefit equivalent to 2.4% of the annual salary of the retiring justice of the supreme court multiplied by five and the years of service and a monthly housing allowance equivalent to the housing allowance payable to a sitting justice of the supreme court, among others.
Samson Luwum Abiiti, the Chief Magistrate of Lira said that they are proud that despite having passed on before his retirement, the late Justice Opio Aweri had mentored many judicial and legal officers who he believes will carry on his good works.
Sam Atul, the Lira City Mayor has lauded the leadership skills of the Late Justice Aweri, who had a heart for the people.
Justice Opio Aweri joined the Judiciary as a Magistrate Grade One in 1983 and rose through the ranks until he was appointed Judge of the High Court in 1998. He was later elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2013 and to the Supreme Court in 2015.
At the time of his death Justice Opio was serving as Chief Inspector of Courts and member of the Judiciary Council and he became ill while in Karamoja Region for his quarter two inspection routine where he had covered the districts of Moroto, Namalu, Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit.
He will be laid to rest on Friday 16th December at his ancestral home in Agwata, Dokolo District.
