Ever since it was reported that retired Principal Judge, Justice Jeremiah Herbert Ntabgoba passed on, condolence messages especially from the legal fraternity where the deceased made a name for himself, continue to stream in.
At the age of 81, and having diligently served in several capacities in the legal arena, senior lawyers and advocates have summed up the personality of a man who stands out as an icon of Bufumbira as “principled anf Fearless”
Sabasabaupdates talked to sources close to the Ntabgoba family, and compiled excerpts from published information posted by senior lawyers who crossed paths with the fallen judge.
Ntabgoba a lawyer
Born on July 21, 1939 in Kisoro, son of Zakayo Bakunzi Rugiriki and Maria Bakunzi Nyirajana, Ntabgoba is described by personalities in legal circles as “a short man, but with a big presence.”
He started out as a lawyer living in kololo. A down to earth man, he was very committed to his work. He had great passion for reading with loads of books in his home library for his study.
Apart from books, he was and remained a man of his heritage. Like a true Mufimbira be loved his drink. He would take time off for a drink, which he drank with reasonable moderation. He also shared with others these moments, including his nephew at the time.
At some point in the early 80’s he moved to Zimbabwe where he followed his legal career. He returned and was subsequently appointed Judge.
He later moved Nakasero where he lived as a Judge. He later retired and lived in Bugolobi till his death.
For all his strictness, it can be seen in several lives he was part of as uncle and mentor. To one Elisha Hatanga, a retired civil servant now, he was a perfect uncle and friend. They would share quality evenings in different places including Bwaise before retiring home after a good time out.
He was as he best remembers him – a gentleman. A daughter of a former administrator general in the 1980’s Godfrey Ndagije deceased, sheila Ndagije now practicing law in south Africa, remembered him as her father’s mentor. She says her father’s greatest attribute was his strict nature and diligent professionalism – a quality she attributes to the Late Ntabgoba.
Many senior lawyers will and say only admirable things about the late Ntabgoba. He was a strict and principled man. His character was what was best for the noble profession. He cut off as crude and harsh to some, but if you were diligent and organized, there was no problem. He was not a judge who wasted time or delayed cases or allowed that to happen in his court room and while he was principal judge.
“I was in my 3rd year at the bar when he took up the post as principal judge in 1987. I learnt so much from him; time keeping, brevity, getting to the main point in your case, standing by your argument, and most of all being confident and ethical advocate”Didas Nkurunziza, a senior advocate said.
“He was my personal mentor. He introduced me to the subject of intellectual property which i pursued at LDC. He commanded respect and authority and upheld Human rights, a stand that saw him flee into exile in the 80’s for releasing a political detainee the powers that be wanted incarcerated indefinitely” Edgar Tabaaro, an advocate said.
Some comments from senior lawyers:
A no nonsense fellow
*Most profound was how he managed Court business… The most resounding, was about a clerk who made a file… disappear. Whether it was missing, or lost or otherwise… that was not subject for discussion.
*Ntabgoba walked or rather stormed down the stairs to the registry… and without much detail.. The clerk had received a hot one.. a great slap that must have transcended that clerk to their childhood days.
*That put a hold on missing files for some time… everyone knew…there was no due process for incompetence. Justice could not be delayed or denied… not by clerks for that matter. You would have your documents filed properly, received and served. You would have no excuse for not proceeding.
*Clerks then were respectful even to young counsel!! They were quick to greet and ask how they could help…
*In his times, a clerk was a clerk.. nothing more. The registry was not a fooling ground..Court files were property of Court.
*The late Ntabgoba was ferocious. Everyone knew, he was a warrior and not afraid of name or size. He did not favor anyone. He actually took no prisoners indeed.
*One time an elderly advocate entered court… the Judge gave him a steel stare…We braced for a real movie action packed thriller they always were… but with the gripping fear of unknown outcome…that man…panting…was tossed. We knew that.
A time keeper
*We always entered his Court room before the 9am mark. He was like justice Tinyenondi – you were finished even 30 seconds after 9am. Ntabgoba would instill the fear of the law, court and God in anyone..
*This advocate.. wasn’t helped with his shabby appearance..”…who are you… Ntabgoba roared..The advocate murmured.. am…..am… Where are you going… Ehhh…am an advocate.. Look at the clock!! What time is it?
(It was 9:15 about!! Counsel was late… in the principal judge’s court)
The chamber was dead silent. “Are you an advocate… are u sure!!? Then you can come to my court late?” That alone was enough to tell you what nature of proceedings would follow.
The profession will remember, but miss him
*He was the most remarkable Principle Judge probably till now…If you ever appeared before him… you would know that time was law; that preparations and presentation mattered.
*With his passing, is the sad reality of a past generation and values of the profession…His walk on the premises was revered… he was a man of small body, but very great stature and imposing presence. The name Ntabgoba was what it literally means in kifumbira..kinyarwanda – NO FEAR. The word remarkable fits him well.
*Sad that such a strong foundation of the judicial system, a principled man and epitome of seriousness… could be seen off in silence. Gosh!
*We knew that God had sent a steward… one without fear like his name that he wore as a mane – Ntabgoba .
*The judiciary and court system as it is now had a lot of him ingrained in it.
*He was a principled and impeccable Mufumbira. He served diligently with the highest level of integrity. If you were in school towards university, our parents would refer to his worship Justice Herbert Ntabgoba as an example. May your soul Rest in Peace Bufumbira icon. May the good Lord provide the best comfort to the Ntabgoba family in these hard days. JOB 1:21.
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