By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
KAMPALA
Uganda’s judicial leadership is undergoing a significant transition following President Yoweri Museveni’s nomination of Dr. Flavian Zeija to serve as the next Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda, replacing Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, who recently retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age.
On Thursday, Parliament’s Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Anita Among, convened to vet Justice Zeija, marking a key step in the constitutional appointment process. Speaker Among confirmed the committee’s engagement, noting that the vetting exercise proceeded in accordance with parliamentary rules.
“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. The committee’s report will be forwarded to the appointing authority in accordance with our rules of procedure,” Speaker Among stated.
Justice Zeija’s nomination comes at a pivotal moment for the Judiciary. His predecessor, Justice Owiny-Dollo, officially stepped down after attaining the retirement age of 70, concluding a five-year tenure marked by institutional reforms and a collegial leadership style. His retirement was formalized during a handover ceremony attended by senior judicial officials.
Dr. Zeija, who previously served as Principal Judge and later as Deputy Chief Justice, has been widely recognized for championing judicial efficiency, including efforts to reduce case backlogs and modernize court processes. His elevation to Chief Justice is expected to build on these reforms and steer the Judiciary through upcoming national legal and political milestones.
As Parliament completes its vetting process, the nation awaits the committee’s report, which will be forwarded to the President for final approval. If confirmed, Justice Zeija will assume leadership of the Supreme Court and the broader Judiciary at a time when legal preparedness and institutional stability remain crucial.
A smooth transition is anticipated, following the orderly handover by Justice Owiny-Dollo, who emphasized continuity and institutional strength during his departure.
Source: Parliament
