Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija Sworn In as Uganda’s New Chief Justice

Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has been sworn in today as the new Chief Justice of Uganda. This marks the start of his role as the country’s top judicial officer.

President Yoweri Museveni appointed Justice Zeija on January 22, 2026. The appointment came after Parliament’s Appointments Committee vetted him and gave approval. The vetting happened quickly on the same day to avoid any gap in leadership at the Supreme Court.

Justice Zeija succeeds former Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo. Owiny-Dollo retired on January 18, 2026, after turning 70, the mandatory retirement age. He handed over office to the Deputy Chief Justice on January 19 at the Supreme Court.

In his new role, Justice Zeija is expected to lead efforts to make the judiciary faster and fairer. He has promised to follow the law, treat people with care, and update old practices, particularly in land and inheritance cases.

Justice Zeija was born on February 18, 1969, in Western Uganda. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University (1996), a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (1997), a Master of Laws from Makerere (2002), a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam, and a Master of Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University.

He became an advocate in 1998 and worked in private practice as managing partner at Zeija, Mukasa and Company Advocates. He also taught law at Uganda Christian University and served as a legal consultant.

Zeija joined the judiciary in 2016 as a High Court judge in Mbarara, one of the busiest circuits. In December 2019, he became Principal Judge. In February 2025, he was appointed Deputy Chief Justice.

His swearing-in today completes the leadership transition in the judiciary. Many hope his experience will help build more trust in the courts and reduce case backlogs.