President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija as Uganda’s new Chief Justice, following the retirement of Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who stepped down on January 18, 2026, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Owiny-Dollo formally handed over office to the Deputy Chief Justice the next day in a ceremony at the Supreme Court.
Justice Zeija, a respected lawyer, academic, and jurist, now assumes the country’s top judicial role. Born on 18 February 1969 in Western Uganda, he completed his secondary education St.Mary’s College Rushoroza where he served as the Head prefect, before joining Makerere University in 1993, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1996.
He went on to earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in 1997, followed by a Master of Laws (LLM) from Makerere University in 2002, and a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam. Zeija also holds an MBA from Uganda Martyrs University.
Enrolled as an advocate in 1998, Zeija built a strong legal career, including serving as Managing Partner at Zeija, Mukasa and Company Advocates. He also lectured at institutions such as Uganda Christian University, combining academia with consultancy work.
His judicial career began in 2016 when he was appointed a High Court Judge, initially serving as the Resident Judge of the Mbarara High Court Circuit, one of Uganda’s largest circuits.
In December 2019, President Museveni elevated him to Principal Judge, the third-highest position in the judiciary, where he supervised High Court justices and magistrates nationwide.
In February 2025, Zeija was appointed Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, replacing Justice Richard Buteera. During his tenure, he emphasised respect for the law, the importance of humane justice, and reforms in areas such as inheritance and land disputes.
Justice Zeija brings extensive judicial and administrative experience to his new role as Chief Justice.
Today, Parliament’s Appointments Committee vetted him for the position, with their report to be forwarded to the appointing authority as part of the procedural process.
