President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Honourable Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija as the new Chief Justice of Uganda, following the retirement of his predecessor, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo.
“Earlier today, we convened the appointments committee of Parliament to vet the Honourable Justice Flavian Zeija, who was appointed by His Excellency the President to serve as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda,” said Speaker Anita Among this Thursday morning.
“The committee’s report will be forwarded to the appointing authority in accordance with our rules of procedure,” she added.
The appointment comes shortly after Owiny-Dollo officially retired on January 18, 2026, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
He handed over office to the Deputy Chief Justice the following day in a formal ceremony at the Supreme Court.
Owiny-Dollo’s tenure as Chief Justice, which began in August 2020, was marked by efforts to promote judicial discipline, reforms, and collegiality within the judiciary.
Justice Zeija, a highly respected lawyer, academic, and jurist, steps into the role as the country’s top judicial officer. Born on February 18, 1969, in Western Uganda, Zeija pursued his early education locally before joining Makerere University in 1993.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1996, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in 1997.
He later earned a Master of Laws (LLM) from Makerere University in 2002 and a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University.
enrolled as an advocate in 1998 and built a career in legal practice, including as managing partner at Zeija, Mukasa and Company Advocates.
He lectured at institutions like Uganda Christian University and combined academia with consultancy work.
He joined the judiciary as a High Court judge in 2016, serving initially as Resident Judge of the Mbarara High Court Circuit, one of the largest in the country.
In December 2019, President Museveni elevated him to Principal Judge of Uganda, where he supervised High Court justices, assigned duties, and oversaw magistrates’ courts as the third-highest ranking judicial officer.
In February 2025, Zeija was appointed Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, replacing the retiring Justice Richard Buteera.
He was sworn in at State House Entebbe, where he emphasized respect for the law, humanity, and addressing outdated practices in areas like inheritance and land disputes.
Known for his passion for access to justice, Zeija brings extensive administrative and judicial experience to the Chief Justice position.
Earlier today, Parliament’s Appointments Committee vetted Justice Zeija for the role, with the committee’s report to be forwarded to the appointing authority per procedural rules.
The appointment underscores Museveni’s ongoing efforts to strengthen judicial leadership amid transitions in the top echelons.
Justice Zeija’s elevation is expected to continue reforms focused on efficiency, fairness, and public confidence in the judiciary.
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