Now that Justice Rubby Aweri is now more, what are people saying about him? In this edition, we have sampled a few of the eulogies.
Lira – December 9, 2022: Justice Rubby Opio Aweri will be accorded an official burial as directed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The Supreme Court Judge died on December 7 aged 69.
His death was announced by the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo.
In his official announcement, Dollo wrote that the “Judiciary is saddened with the passing of Justice Opio Aweri as he has been described by many as a great towering legal mind who served the bench with boundless dedication, utmost humility and commitment for nearly four decades…”
The Chief Justice also wrote that “no doubt that the nation will miss his noble service.”
Rubby hails from Lango, Northern Uganda, a sub (region) he has had massive respect over the decades as a professional.
Now that he’s no more, what are people in the region and from his home (Lango) saying? We have sampled a few eulogies from politicians and other mourners.
Betty Amongi who is the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Oyam South MP, wrote on Twitter: “Honorable, distinguished gentleman, always seeking for harmony; cracking jokes, focusing on investments and advising the younger generation, on the right path to follow. RIP Justice Opio-Aweri.”
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Norbert Mao also eulogized him: “Rest in Peace Hon. Justice Ruby Opio Aweri, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda. You served your country with distinction.”
Sam Okwir Odwee, the Moroto County MP: “A dark cloud has covered Lango sub region following the demise of our great father Justice Ruby Opio Aweri, condolences to the family, HE the President, The Chief Justice and Judiciary, the Speaker of Parliament and the Amuka community, all Obs of Lango College. Rest well, Amen.”
Ambassador Paul Amoru: “We have lost a towering legal mind with a rich legacy in the development and administration of the justice system in Uganda. I commiserate with the family at this difficult moment of grief. RIP Justice Ruby Opio Aweri.”
Julius Acon, MP Otuke: “Lango woke up in a dark cloud and mourning as we have lost our hero Justice Rubby Opio Aweri. My heartfelt condolence to the Judiciary for the loss of their experienced staff and a peacemaker in our region as Lango. We shall forever miss you.”
More eulogies from outside source: Credit, Independent Magazine
Levi Okodi, an elder brother to the late justice says the family is grieved and saddened by the death.
Okodi describes his brother as a “useful” person whose death has robbed both the family and Uganda as a whole.
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Daniel Omara Atubo, the former Lands Minister and an advocate of the high court describes Opio Aweri as a man who had grown in professionalism which should be emulated.
“He leaves behind this important legacy that if we want the judiciary to do its work and people to be proud of the judiciary, let those who join the judiciary grow through the ranks and those who are appointed should be independent and professional as it was exhibited by Justice Ruby Opio Aweri,” said Atubo.