In a landmark transition for Uganda’s judiciary, Justice Flavian Zeija has been appointed as the country’s new Chief Justice, following the retirement of Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who stepped down upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 on January 18, 2026. The appointment, confirmed by the President and vetted by Parliament, marks Zeija’s ascent to Uganda’s highest judicial office as the 13th Chief Justice.

Justice Zeija comes to the role with nearly three decades of legal experience and a distinguished academic background. He holds a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam (2013), an LLM (2002) and LLB (1996) from Makerere University, and an MBA from Uganda Martyrs University (2018). His legal career began in 1998, and he previously served as the managing partner at Zeija, Mukasa & Company Advocates. Zeija’s path in the judiciary includes significant leadership positions, notably as Resident Judge for the Mbarara High Court Circuit (appointed 2016) and later as Principal Judge of the High Court from December 2019 to 2025, where he oversaw the High Court and Magistrates Courts.

As Chief Justice, Dr. Zeija signals a strong focus on modernization and efficiency. He has been a proponent of digital transformation in the judiciary, advocating for the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) to tackle case backlogs. He has also championed a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and a robust stance against judicial misconduct. Additionally, Zeija supports the continued use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including plea bargaining and mediation, to expedite dispute resolution.

Zeija’s leadership arrives at a pivotal moment as the Supreme Court prepares to address potential legal challenges emerging from the January 15, 2026 general election. Observers note his sustained emphasis on reform—particularly in backlog reduction through digitization and ADR—alongside a commitment to integrity and accountability within the judiciary.