John Katende : "The Man of Many Firsts" Book Out

Senior Council John Winston Katende has been described as an influential figure and  inspiration to many Ugandans in the legal fraternity, politics and in the business circles in Uganda. 

Speaking during the launch of the book "The Man Of Many Firsts," a biography chronicling the life of Council Katende, at Aristock Bookshop in Acacia Mall,   Chief Justice Emeritus Bart Katureebe Magunda, , emphasized Katende's significant impact on the lives and careers of numerous young lawyers, dating back to the 1960s when he served as a law lecturer at Makerere University  in Kampal.

According to Katureebe, attending Katende's classes was a captivating and enlightening experience. His teaching style was entertaining yet educational, fostering attentiveness among his students.

According to Katureebe, observing Katende's legal practice and witnessing his courtroom arguments, as well as observing his office environment, inspired many of his students. Katureebe further noted that Katende served as a role model for aspiring lawyers, generating aspirations to emulate his success.

 Katureebe advocated for a cultural shift towards appreciating influential individuals while they are still alive, rather than waiting until they have passed away and can no longer hear the praise.

He expressed gratitude for the compilation of the book, highlighting its accounts from those who have worked with and been inspired by Katende. By sharing these stories while Katende is still alive, Katureebe believes they will inspire many others who read the book. This, Katureebe stated, would be Katende's lasting legacy within the community.

“It is best that some of these things are said about you to hear them when you are still alive, to hear them, instead of spending ten hours at speaches at your funeral when you cann’t hear them and by talking about them now, they will inspire many others who will read  this book”  Katureebe stated

The book's Foreword, penned by the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, described Council Katende as a humble man who shies away from the limelight. Mutebi commended Katende for his humility, regardless of social status, and highlighted his accommodating and selfless nature, often making adjustments to assist others. Mutebi expressed that such qualities of selflessness and generosity are not widely known about Katende.

At the book launch, various speakers praised Katende for his passion for culture, particularly noting his instrumental role in the process of reinstating Ronald Muwenda Mutebi as the Sabataka and subsequently crowning him as Kabaka of Buganda in 1993. Venerable Dr. Dan Kajumba, a long-time friend of Council Katende, revealed that it was Katende who initiated negotiations and initial talks for the Kabaka's return with President Museveni at State House when the NRM came into power.

Professor Fredrick Sempebwa, another partner of Senior Counsel Katende since their friendship began in 1966, described Katende as a tolerant individual who respected others. Sempebwa reminisced about their numerous groundbreaking achievements together at the law firm Katende & Ssempebwa Company Advocates.

Notably, Katende handled the celebrated case of Sempebwa vs. Attorney General, a pivotal case in reviving constitutionalism after the NRM assumed power. Additionally, Katende's legal expertise played a crucial role in a successful appeal against the death penalty, marking yet another significant accomplishment.

Some of the contributers of the book  are Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga, late Archbishop  Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, Former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, Justice James Ogoola, Justice Ralph Ocan,late Dr. Joseph Byamugisha, Dr,Paul Kawanga Semwogerere, the list is endless.

The book is now available at all Aristoc Bookshop outlets country wide.