President Museveni appoints Justice Flavian Zeija as Uganda’s New Chief Justice.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija as the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda, in accordance with Article 142(1) of the 1995 Constitution.
The appointment was made on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission and subsequently approved by the Parliament of Uganda following a vetting process conducted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
Justice Zeija officially takes over from Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, who completed a five-year tenure at the helm of the Judiciary. The handover ceremony was witnessed by senior judicial officers and government officials.
Background and Judicial Career
Justice Flavian Zeija is a distinguished lawyer, academic, and jurist with extensive experience in Uganda’s legal system. Before his appointment as Chief Justice, he served as Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from February 2025.
He previously held the position of Principal Judge from December 2019, making him the third-highest-ranking judicial officer in the country at the time.
As Principal Judge, Justice Zeija was responsible for supervising High Court judges and magistrates across the country, as well as overseeing the administration of justice in subordinate courts.
Education and Professional Training
Born on 18 February 1969, Justice Zeija pursued his legal education at Makerere University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1996.
He later earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in Kampala.
He holds a Master of Laws degree from Makerere University, a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam, and a Master of Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (UK).
Legal Practice and Academic Contributions
Justice Zeija has practiced law in both private and corporate settings, including roles at Tropical Africa Bank and FINCA Uganda Limited. Prior to joining the Bench, he was the managing partner at Zeija, Mukasa & Company Advocates.
In academia, he has lectured at Makerere University, Uganda Christian University, and Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where he served as the founding head of the Department of Business Law.
Notable Judicial Work
Among his notable rulings is the 2020 inheritance case of Kalemera H. Kimera vs. Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II, in which he clarified the application of Uganda’s inheritance laws regarding grandchildren and wills. The ruling was widely cited for reinforcing statutory interpretation in succession matters.
Significance of the Appointment
Justice Zeija’s appointment is widely viewed as a continuation of judicial reform and administrative efficiency within Uganda’s Judiciary.
Legal observers note his strong academic background, administrative experience, and reputation for discipline as key strengths he brings to the office.
As Chief Justice, he is expected to oversee judicial independence, case backlog reduction, and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
