By KT Reporter
Marion Mangeni, the former Buganda Road Court Magistrate Grade One and Head of Law Reporting at the Uganda Legal Information Institute (Uganda_LII), has passed away. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed, but sources within the judiciary have speculated that she succumbed to malaria.
According to a statement issued by Sheilah Wamboga, the Judiciary’s Principal Communications Officer, Mangeni died at Mengo Hospital on Wednesday evening. The statement described Mangeni as a dedicated professional who made significant contributions to the legal community, particularly in ensuring access to legal information.
“As we mourn this great loss, Uganda_LII operations will be temporarily inactive. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time as we honor her legacy and contributions to the legal community,” reads the statement. Further updates on the arrangements will follow.
Mangeni served at Buganda Road Court during and after the COVID-19 lockdown before being transferred to the Judicial Training Institute in Nakawa. Just days before her passing, Mangeni had been part of a reshuffle of judicial officers, with her new posting to the Anti-Corruption Court set to begin in January 2025.
She had handled several notable cases during her tenure at Buganda Road Court, including high-profile matters such as the case against Andrew Mukasa, known as Bajjo, who was charged with inciting violence and offensive communication. Mangeni also oversaw the case against individuals accused of attempting to murder then Energy Minister Mary Gorreti Kitutu and the prosecution of a TikTok user, Teddy Nalubowa, for celebrating the death of General Elly Tumwine.
Other significant cases she handled included those involving activists accused of dumping piglets at Parliament in protest against the rot at the Bank of Uganda, and the conviction of businessman Mukesh Shukla Babubhai on charges of uttering false documents related to the handover of Hotel Diplomat Muyenga.
In 2020, Mangeni convicted 37 Chinese nationals for illegal stay in Uganda and ordered their deportation. Despite her stern approach to maintaining order in her courtroom, Mangeni was known for her discipline and professionalism, often silencing disruptive parties with a sharp gaze. Our reporter last saw Mangeni at a Judicial Training Institute event in Bugoloobi just last Thursday-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
