Kampala, Uganda, 11 June 2026 – The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA) held a handover ceremony at the Ministry Boardroom, marking the official transition of leadership at the Attorney General’s Chambers from Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka to Hon. Sam Mayanja, who was recently appointed Attorney General of Uganda.
The ceremony was attended by senior Ministry officials, management and staff of the Attorney General’s Chambers, and leaders from the justice sector, who gathered to bid farewell to Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka and welcome Hon. Sam Mayanja to the constitutional office of Attorney General.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Robert Kasande, congratulated both the incoming and outgoing Attorney General and highlighted the significant achievements registered by the Attorney General’s Chambers over the past five years. He noted that under Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka’s leadership, the Chambers had undergone considerable institutional growth, including the commencement and completion of the JLOS Towers project within four years and two months.
Mr. Kasande further revealed that the Ministry’s legal staffing structure had been expanded from approximately 180 attorneys to about 500 positions, strengthening the institution’s capacity to provide legal services to Government. He also cited the establishment of regional offices in Kabale, Masaka, Lira, Iganga and Hoima as a major step towards bringing legal services closer to clients across the country.
He commended Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka for his instrumental role in these achievements and pledged the continued support of the technical team to build upon the foundation already established.
The Solicitor General paid tribute to the outgoing Attorney General for his distinguished service and exceptional leadership during his tenure. He noted that Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka had championed key reforms that strengthened the Attorney General’s Chambers in its role as Government’s principal legal advisor and representative in courts, arbitral tribunals and negotiations.
He further thanked the outgoing Attorney General for his mentorship, professionalism and commitment to improving standards within the institution, describing his tenure as one that would leave a lasting legacy for the Chambers.
The Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi, who worked alongside Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka for five years, praised his diligence, dedication and commitment to public service. He noted that the outgoing Attorney General had executed his responsibilities with distinction and had established high standards that would continue to guide the institution.
Welcoming the new Attorney General, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, congratulated Hon. Sam Mayanja upon his appointment and assured him of the Ministry’s full support. He described the Attorney General’s Chambers as a critical constitutional institution and emphasized the importance of teamwork in advancing Government’s legal mandate.
Hon. Mao commended the attorneys of the Chambers for their efforts in defending Government’s interests and encouraged the incoming Attorney General to work closely with the team while taking advantage of the strong institutional structures already in place. He described Hon. Mayanja as an accomplished scholar, intellectual and advocate whose passion and commitment would serve the institution well.
In his farewell remarks, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka reflected on his five years of service as Attorney General and expressed gratitude to the staff and leadership of the Ministry for their support throughout his tenure.
“Public office is a temporary stewardship entrusted to us by the Constitution and the people of Uganda. We serve not for personal legacy, but for the strengthening of institutions, the rule of law and national development,” he said.
He noted that the Attorney General’s Chambers occupies a unique position at the intersection of law, governance, policy and national interest, and emphasized the importance of ensuring that Government actions remain grounded in legality, constitutionalism, fairness and institutional integrity.
Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka thanked the staff of the Chambers for their dedication and professionalism and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in service delivery. He assured the incoming Attorney General of his support whenever called upon.
Taking office, Hon. Sam Mayanja expressed appreciation for the confidence entrusted in him and pledged to build on the progress achieved by his predecessor. He acknowledged Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka’s contribution to the institution and the legal profession, noting that he was honoured to continue from the strong foundation that had been laid.
Hon. Mayanja pledged to work closely with the management and staff of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the wider legal fraternity to safeguard Government’s interests and advance the constitutional mandate of the Attorney General’s Chambers.
The handover ceremony was followed by a sendoff dinner held at the Kampala in honour of Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, celebrating his five years of service as Attorney General. The evening featured live band music, tributes and speeches of appreciation from staff and leadership of the Attorney General’s Chambers, who commended his stewardship, mentorship and contribution to strengthening and transforming the institution.
The occasion also provided an opportunity for colleagues and partners to bid him farewell and wish him success in his new role as Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs. A toast was raised to new beginnings as Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka delivered his farewell remarks, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his tenure and reaffirming his commitment to the continued advancement of public service and the rule of law in Uganda.