By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
NATIONAL
President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Honorable Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija as the new Chief Justice of Uganda, following the retirement of his predecessor, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo.
Earlier today, Thursday, 22nd January, 2026, the appointments committee of Parliament led by the speaker Anita Among convened to vet the Honorable Justice Flavian Zeija, who was appointed by His Excellency the President to serve as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda.
The appointment comes shortly after Owiny-Dollo officially retired on January 18, 2026, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Justice Zeija, who steps into the role as the country’s top judicial officer 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.
He 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.
Known for his passion for access to justice, Zeija brings extensive administrative and judicial experience to the Chief Justice position.
