The Parliamentary Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Anita Annet Among, is currently vetting Justice Flavian Zeija, nominated by President Yoweri Museveni for appointment as the new Chief Justice of Uganda.
Speaker Among confirmed the committee’s proceedings today, emphasizing that the process aligns with parliamentary procedures. She added that following the vetting, the committee’s report will be submitted to the President for final approval.
“The committee’s report will be forwarded to the appointing authority in accordance with our rules of procedure,” said Speaker Among.
Justice Zeija’s nomination comes after the retirement of former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who officially retired on January 18, 2026, after reaching the mandatory age of 70, as outlined in Article 144(1)(a) of the Ugandan Constitution. Owiny-Dollo handed over his duties to his deputy on January 19, 2026.
The vetting process, which includes a thorough review of Zeija’s qualifications, is critical for ensuring transparency and upholding the rule of law. Legal professionals and the public are closely monitoring the process, with any objections to his appointment likely to generate significant attention.
If confirmed, Justice Zeija will assume one of the highest judicial positions in Uganda, overseeing the country’s legal system and ensuring the independence of the Judiciary.
Zeija, who assumed the role of Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) in April 2025, previously succeeded Justice Richard Buteera. His experience will be essential as Uganda faces potential legal challenges following the January 15, 2026 general election results.
In Uganda, the Chief Justice plays a key role in the Supreme Court, especially in presidential election petitions, which are handled exclusively by the Court. With Museveni declared the winner of the election with 71.65% of the vote, legal challenges to the results are expected.
By law, any presidential election petition must be filed within 15 days of the result declaration, with the Court mandated to deliver a judgment within 45 days.
The Chief Justice typically leads the panel of justices who hear such petitions, making the swift appointment of a substantive Chief Justice crucial.