Retired High Court Judge Wilson Masalu Musene Passes Away at 67

Retired High Court judge Wilson Masalu Musene has passed away at the age of 67. He died on Sunday evening at Mbale Hospital, according to Sheila Wamboga, the Principal Communications Officer of the Judiciary.

Justice Musene retired from active service in 2021 after reaching the age of 65. However, his retirement was marred by controversy when he was sent on forced leave by Principal Judge Dr Flavian Zeija three months before his official retirement date. The three-month period is provided for by the constitution to allow the judge time to clear pending chamber work.

Prior to his retirement, Justice Musene had been sanctioned by the United States Department of Treasury for his alleged involvement in a corrupt adoption scheme that victimized young children. Alongside others, he was accused of participating in a scam that involved removing children from their families in Uganda and placing them into a corrupt adoption network.

Despite the allegations, Justice Musene denied any wrongdoing and expressed a willingness to be investigated.

Justice Musene’s passing marks the second loss for the Judiciary family this year, following the death of Constitutional Court Justice Kenneth Kakuru, who was still serving at the time of his passing.