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| H/W Roy Milton Byaruhanga |
The Judiciary is mourning the death of one of its long serving registrar Roy Milton Byaruhanga. The deceased succumbed to a stroke on Sunday morning and that this happened while he lay in his bed in Kiwatule, Wakiso District.
H/W Byaruhanga who had been confined to a wheel chair for close to eight years since a bathroom accident. He died at the age of 52.
Registrar Byaruhanga will also be remembered for always leading powerful prayers during Judiciary public functions.
During a memorial service held at St Francis Chapel, Makerere University in Kampala on July 13, the Hon. Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Bart Katureebe eulogized the deceased as ‘brave and dedicated' judicial officer.
But the Chief Justice was quick to say that H/W Byaruhanga‘s death has left the Judiciary and the government with a huge debt of ensuring that public facilities can be easily accessed by those who are physically handicapped.
"There is a need to address how easily people with disabilities access facilities.” He added, "no one invites disability. It can happen to anyone.” Hon. Justice Katureebe said.
In Uganda, most public facilities including courts do not have provisions for people with disabilities.
A condolence message by the Chief Registrar H/W Paul Gadenya, that was read out to the mourners by High Court Registrar, H/W Isaac Muwata, described Mr Byaruhanga as a committed officer who never let illness or difficult work stand before him at the table of service.
"Roy always put duty first. He endeavored to work whenever he felt a little relief from the pain that was hurting him so much. In 2006, he diligently served this country when he handled difficult pre-election matters without shying away from duty. He stayed to serve his country assisting the High Court to render justice to his countrymen and women.” H/W Gadenya‘s statement read in part.
Speaking on behalf of the deceased’s family, Dr George Lubanga, a brother to the deceased said the family did not have a clear picture of what he suffered from.
"What I know is that he slipped and fell in a bathroom in 2008 and sustained what seemed like minor injuries….in 2010 there was rapid progression of the illness that developed into full blown paraplegia. This is a condition that causes impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower torso.” Dr Lubanga told mourners.
Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr. Yorokamu Bamwine, who was also H/W Byaruhanga first supervisor at Masaka Chief Magistrates Court told mourners of their interactions then.
"My assessment of him was that he was responsible, hardworking and very keen to learn. He was result-oriented even as a fresh Grade One Magistrate, he had a clear understanding of the law," Hon. Justice Dr. Bamwine said.
He added that was gentle in speech but aggressive in executing assignments.
The Chaplain of St Francis Chapel Makerere Amos Turyahabwe, in his sermon urged the mourners not to wait for death to show solidarity. He said we need to remember that our time on earth is short and as such should use our time productively.
The Secretary to the Judiciary, Mrs. Dorcas W. Okalany said that the Judiciary did everything possible to save Mr. Byaruhanga but "it's too bad that he succumbed to the condition.
He will be laid to rest today at his ancestral home in Hoima District.
Who was Roy Milton Byaruhanga?
Born on 08-09-1963 in Hoima District
He attended Nyakasura Secondary School for his O-Level and Kabalega Secondary School for A-Level before joining Makerere University for law degree.
Career.
Appointed magistrate Grade One in 1992 and posted to Masaka.
He was transferred to magistrates court Busia in 1993 and later Soroti Chief Magistrates Court.
In 1999, he was appointed Acting Chief Magistrate and posted to Fort Portal. In 2001, he was confirmed as Chief Magistrate and posted to Jinja Chief Magistrates Court.
He was later transferred to Masindi Chief Magistrates Court. In 2004, he was appointed acting deputy chief registrar and posted to High Court Kampala Criminal Division.
He was confirmed in appointment as deputy registrar in 2007. In 2008, he was transferred to the registry of research and training. A year later, he was appointed as registrar of courts of judicature. In 2013, he was posted to the Supreme Court as registrar, a position he held until a few months ago when he was posted back to high court.
The late Byaruhanga is survived by a widow and five children.
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