Benjamin Josses Odoki
Benjamin Josses Odoki (born 23 March 1943) was the Chief Justice of Uganda from 2001 to 2013.[1][2]
Honorable Benjamin Josses Odoki | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 23, 1943 Dhaka, Busia District, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Citizenship | Uganda |
| Alma mater | University of Dar es Salaam (Bachelor of Laws) Law Development Centre (Diploma in Legal Practice) |
| Occupation | Lawyer, judge |
| Years active | 1969 — present |
| Known for | Law |
| Title | Former Chief Justice of Uganda |
| Predecessor | Samuel Wako Wambuzi |
| Spouse(s) | Mrs. Veronica Odoki |
Background and education
He was born in Dhaka Village, Busia District, in the Eastern Region of Uganda, on 23 March 1943, in a family with modest means.[2] He studies at King's College, Budo, in Wakiso District, for his secondary school education. He was admitted to the University College, Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1969. Later, he received a Diploma in Legal Practice, from the Law Development Centre in Kampala.[2]
Career before judgeship
He returned to Uganda after his studies in Tanzania. In 1969 he became an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda and was called to the Uganda Bar. The following year, he was appointed a State Attorney and was later promoted to Senior State Attorney a few years later.[2]
Career as a judge
In 1978, at the age of 35 years, he was appointed as a judge to the High Court of Uganda. From 1981 until 1984 was seconded to serve as the Director of Public Prosecutions. In 1986 he was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda. He became the Chief Justice of Uganda in 2001, serving in that capacity until his mandatory retirement at the age of 70 on 23 March 23, 2013. He did however serve a three months extension until 23 June 2013.[2]
Family
He is married with to Veronica Odoki, and is the father of four adult; Peter Odoki, Phillip Odoki, Dorah Odoki and Joshua Odoki.[2]
Other considerations
He at one time taught at Makerere University Faculty of Law and at the Law Development Centre. He served as the chairperson of the Editorial Board of the Uganda Law Reports. He has written a number of books and has published articles on a number of subjects, including constitutional development, human rights and criminal justice.[2]
References
- Mugisa, Anne (25 September 2005). "Odoki blasts politicians". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
- Wesaka, Anthony (10 August 2014). "Odoki's long journey to retirement". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 14 January 2018.