Katureebe, Bamwine tipped to replace Odoki

As Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki plans to retire on March 23 this year, Supreme Court Judge Bart Katureebe and Principal Judge, Yorokamu Bamwine, have been tipped as the possible replacements, according to a highly placed source in the Judiciary.

According to the source that preferred to remain anonymous in order to speak freely, Justice Katureebe, by virtue of his being the most senior judge at the Supreme Court, among other qualities, qualifies to replace Mr Odoki.

“With the recent retirement of Justice John Wilson Tsekooko, Justice Katureebe will be the most senior judge at the Bench and chances of him replacing Mr Odoki are high,” said the source.

Speaking about Principal Judge Bamwine, the source said his administrative skills coupled with his seniority at the bench, make him a suitable candidate.

Judge Bamwine, when contacted by the Saturday Monitor, laughed off the claims, saying: “I am comfortable where I am but thanks be to God if am considered.”

On the contrary, Mr Kagole Kivumbi, the secretary to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), a body that manages recruitment of judicial officers, could neither confirm nor deny the claims.

“The office is not yet vacant and as such, no possible names have been thought about to fill that position,” Mr Kagole said.

Others tipped to replace Mr Odoki include; former Solicitor General Peter Kabatsi and International Court of Justice judge Julia Ssebutinde.

awesaka@ug.nationmedia.com