Benjamin Josses Odoki


Benjamin Josses Odoki was the Chief Justice of Uganda from 2001 to 2013.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Family

He is married with to Veronica Odoki, and is the father of four adult; Peter Odoki, Phillip Odoki, Dorah Odoki and Joshua Odoki.

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.