New York — Uganda’s retired Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera has been elected to the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT), securing a seven-year term after receiving 110 votes during elections held Monday at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Buteera was elected alongside Lingling Zhang of China, joining the body mandated to hear appeals within the UN’s internal justice system, particularly disputes involving staff employment and administrative decisions.
With more than 40 years of judicial service, Buteera brings an extensive record to the tribunal. His career includes serving as Director of Public Prosecutions, Supreme Court Justice, and later Deputy Chief Justice, where he championed reforms such as reducing case backlogs and strengthening the administration of justice.
Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, who led the diplomatic campaign, praised the election, saying: “Congratulations, Justice Richard Butera… I have had the honour of leading the election of Ugandan judges to UN courts and tribunals.”
He added that Buteera’s election reflects Uganda’s strong and growing contribution to global judicial institutions.
International reactions also followed swiftly. The Chinese Mission to the UN congratulated all newly elected UNAT and UN Dispute Tribunal judges, stating: “Congratulations to Judge Zhang Lingling and all other newly elected judges to the United Nations Appeals Tribunal and the United Nations Dispute Tribunal.”
China’s Ambassador to the UN, FU Cong, echoed the message, saying: “My sincere thanks to all friends for your strong support of Judge Zhang Lingling in her successful election to the UNAT. Warm congratulations also to all other judges elected to the UNAT and the UNDT.”
Justice Buteera’s election marks a significant milestone for Uganda’s judiciary on the international stage and underscores the country’s continued role in advancing principles of fairness, accountability, and the rule of law within the United Nations system.