President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija as Uganda’s new Chief Justice, marking a major transition at the helm of the country’s Judiciary. Zeija replaces Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, who retired earlier this month after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The appointment was announced as Parliament’s Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Anita Among, commenced Zeija’s vetting process. The committee is expected to submit its report to the appointing authority in line with constitutional procedure. Upon parliamentary approval, Zeija will formally assume office as head of the Judiciary and presiding judge of the Supreme Court, Uganda’s highest court.
A Distinguished Legal Career
Justice Zeija brings more than 25 years of legal experience, spanning private practice, academia and judicial service. Born on February 18, 1969, in Western Uganda, he was enrolled as an advocate of the High Court in 1998, beginning a career that has steadily risen through the legal ranks.
Before joining the bench, Zeija worked in private legal practice, including serving as managing partner at Zeija, Mukasa & Co. Advocates. He also held senior legal and corporate roles at Tropical Africa Bank and FINCA Uganda Limited, gaining extensive experience in commercial and financial law.
His academic background is equally extensive. Zeija holds a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws (LLM) from Makerere University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam, and a Master of Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University. He has also lectured at Uganda Christian University, Makerere University Business School, and Makerere University, where he served as the pioneer head of the Department of Business Law.
Rise Through the Judiciary
Justice Zeija was appointed a High Court Judge in 2016 and later served as Resident Judge of the Mbarara High Court Circuit, one of the busiest judicial circuits in the country. On December 25, 2019, he was elevated to Principal Judge, placing him in charge of the High Court and magistrates’ courts nationwide.
His judicial ascent continued with his appointment as Deputy Chief Justice on February 7, 2025, positioning him as the Judiciary’s second-in-command prior to his elevation to the top office.
Transition at the Supreme Court
Former Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo officially retired on January 18, 2026, and a handover ceremony was held the following day. During the ceremony, key judicial symbols (including the Constitution and the official court seal) were formally handed over to Zeija, who assumed the role of Acting Chief Justice pending parliamentary approval.
One of Zeija’s first major responsibilities will be overseeing a presidential election petition filed in the Supreme Court challenging President Museveni’s re-election. Under the law, such petitions are handled within strict timelines, placing immediate focus on his leadership of the apex court.
Challenges Ahead
Justice Zeija assumes office at a time when Uganda’s Judiciary faces heightened public scrutiny over case backlogs, delays in justice delivery, and concerns about judicial independence. Legal observers say his blend of administrative experience, academic depth and courtroom exposure will be critical in driving reforms aimed at efficiency, transparency and public confidence.
His appointment also leaves a vacancy in the position of Deputy Chief Justice, which the President is yet to fill.
Role of the Chief Justice
Under Uganda’s constitutional framework, the Chief Justice is the administrative head of the Judiciary and ranks fourth in national protocol, after the President, Vice President and Speaker of Parliament. The officeholder presides over the Supreme Court and plays a central role in safeguarding the Constitution, judicial independence and the rule of law.
