Staff Reports
Over the weekend, Uganda mourned the loss of Supreme Court Justice Mary Stella Arach Amoko. The experienced judge passed away at the age of 69 after losing her long battle with cancer. During her career, Arach served as a judge in various courts. She worked as a high court judge for 13 years from 1997 to 2010 before her elevation to the Court of Appeal. She also provided her services as a judge in the East African Court of Justice for two years.
Supreme Court mourns second loss as Lady Justice Stella Arach-Amoko passes away, marking another solemn moment for the Judiciary. #NTVNews
— NTV UGANDA (@ntvuganda) June 18, 2023
Numerous tributes from some of the country’s most prominent figures followed news of her death. Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago spoke fondly of Arach’s personal character, describing her as “a soft-spoken, level-headed, and venerable jurist or sage who endeavored to uphold the judicial oath under very challenging circumstances.” In addition, Ugandan Member of Parliament Atima Jackson Lee Butti praised her as “a great servant of Uganda.” Moreover, writer, and attorney, Hudu Hussein tweeted his condolence, wishing peace to the late judge’s soul.
A soft spoken, level-headed and venerable jurist or sage who endeavoured to uphold the judicial oath under very challenging circumstances. You will be dearly missed Lady Justice Stella Arach Amoko. May your soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/EikBV3K95E
— Erias Lukwago (@EriasLukwago) June 17, 2023
I wish to extend my sincere condolences to HE @KagutaMuseveni @GovUganda @JudiciaryUG for the untimely death of Justice MARY STELLA ARACH-AMOKO. A great servant of #Uganda cc @Parliament_Ug @Thomas_Tayebwa @AnitahAmong @pwatchug. May Her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace pic.twitter.com/MQq0Q8j8LJ
— Hon Atima Jackson MP Arua CC (@AtimaCc) June 18, 2023
Rest in peace, Justice Mary Stella Arach-Amoko
May we all learn to live a quiet and satisfying life such as this.@JudiciaryUG pic.twitter.com/luQqbgWq7h— Hudu Hussein (@HuduHussein) June 17, 2023
LGBTQ rights are human rights. Uganda's proposed new law is inhumane. Using religion or culture to license discrimination is never justifiable. Period. https://t.co/m54xkTraqm
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 11, 2019
It is worth noting that Uganda has recently attracted criticism from President Joe Biden and the United States ambassador to Uganda, regarding a new law related to homosexuality. The law introduces the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which refers to cases related to homosexual rape and sexual relations involving those with HIV. President Biden called the legislation “inhumane” and added, “LGBTQ rights are human rights.”
Justice Arach was a crucial figure in Uganda’s judicial system, and her passing away has added a sense of sadness across the country. Her tireless efforts to build a strong and fair legal system have motivated aspiring judges and lawyers. May her exemplary life continue to inspire her admirers and further enhance Uganda’s justice system in the days to come.
