By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
NATIONAL
Uganda’s Judiciary entered a new chapter as Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo officially retired after clocking the constitutional retirement age of 70, marking the end of a judicial career that spanned nearly two decades. His exit, which took effect at midnight, automatically elevated Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija to Acting Chief Justice in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Justice Owiny-Dollo’s retirement is mandated under Article 144(1)(a) of the Constitution, which requires justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Deputy Chief Justice to retire at 70 years. His judicial journey included service as a High Court judge beginning in 2008, elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2015, appointment as Deputy Chief Justice in 2017, and finally his rise to Chief Justice in 2020.
Reflecting on his final day in office, Owiny-Dollo expressed deep gratitude to the judiciary at all levels, praising the dedication of justices and judges across the Court of Appeal, Constitutional Court, and High Court. He urged them to continue serving with diligence and integrity.
“Yesterday marked my 70th year on earth, hence the constitutional requirement for retirement from judicial service and the office of Chief Justice of Uganda,” he said.
“I ceased being Chief Justice at midnight last night. The Deputy Chief Justice, by constitutional provision, automatically becomes acting Chief Justice upon the retirement of a serving Chief Justice.”
Owiny-Dollo emphasized that he leaves the institution confident in its leadership and the commitment of its officers to uphold the rule of law.
Justice Flavian Zeija, who has served as Deputy Chief Justice, now assumes the role of Acting Chief Justice.
In his remarks, Zeija paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, describing Owiny-Dollo as a unifying leader who fostered teamwork and professionalism within the judiciary.
“You have left a legacy that will live on,” Zeija said.
“I don’t know how to thank the Chief Justice Emeritus. He led a team, and I’m sure you never heard any bickering. If we did, it was in the boardroom, and it ended there.”
Owiny-Dollo’s retirement comes at a time when the judiciary continues to implement reforms aimed at improving access to justice, reducing case backlogs, and expanding digital court operations initiatives he championed during his tenure.
His departure also sets the stage for the appointment of a new substantive Chief Justice, a decision eagerly awaited by the legal fraternity and the nation.
As Acting Chief Justice, Zeija is expected to steer the judiciary through this transition period, maintaining continuity while preparing the institution for its next phase of leadership.
Owiny-Dollo’s legacy marked by reform, modernization, and a commitment to judicial independence remains firmly imprinted on Uganda’s justice system.
