President Museveni appointed Justice Flavian Zeija as Uganda’s new Chief Justice. The Appointments Committee of Parliament quickly vetted him, and Speaker Anita Among confirmed the news on Thursday. The committee will now send its report to the appointing authority according to Uganda’s procedural rules.
Zeija, currently serving as Deputy Chief Justice, will replace the retired Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo. Owiny-Dollo concluded his five-year tenure on January 19, 2026. During the handover ceremony, Zeija received the Constitution, the Laws of Uganda, the Administration of the Judiciary Act, and the official court seal—symbols of his new office.
Zeija expressed admiration for Owiny-Dollo’s leadership, particularly regarding the growth of the Judiciary’s budget. The budget increased from Shs180 billion to over Shs400 billion under Owiny-Dollo’s leadership. Nevertheless, Zeija faces immediate challenges. Critics have accused the Judiciary of delays in delivering justice, corruption, and political interference. These issues have raised concerns about judicial independence.
Moreover, Zeija assumes office amid ongoing political tensions. The opposition has filed a petition challenging Museveni’s re-election. This petition complicates Zeija’s role, as the court must rule on the matter. If the court upholds the results, Museveni will take the presidential oath in May.
Zeija, from Uganda’s Kigezi Sub-region, brings more than 25 years of legal experience. He has served as Principal Judge and a resident judge at the Mbarara High Court circuit. Additionally, Zeija has lectured at Uganda Christian University and Makerere University Business School, where he headed the business law department.
Zeija holds a PhD in law and governance from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He also earned an LLM from Makerere University and an MBA from Uganda Martyrs University. His career includes roles at Finca Uganda, Tropical Africa Bank, and Kwesigabo, Bamwine & Walubiri Co. Advocates.
As Chief Justice, Zeija will lead Uganda’s Judiciary, which ranks as one of the three branches of government. He will also hold the fourth-highest protocol rank, following the President, Vice President, and Speaker of Parliament. The Deputy Chief Justice position now needs to be filled. The presidency has yet to announce Zeija’s successor.
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