Presidency Confirms Appointment of Zeija as Deputy Chief Justice
A dramatic Friday ended with JSC spokesperson Maria Theresa Nabulya probably wishing to disappear under the earth as the Presidency confirmed the very appointments she had just disowned hours earlier.
Barely an hour after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) distanced itself from reports of new judicial appointments, the Presidency has confirmed the list, declaring it authentic.
In a statement released on Friday, February 7, the Presidency reaffirmed that President Museveni had made the appointments under the powers vested in him by Article 142(1) & (2) of the 1995 Constitution.
The statement confirms Justice Flavian Zeija, previously the Principal Judge of the High Court, as the new Deputy Chief Justice, replacing Richard Buteera, who is set to retire in May.
It also announces Justice Muzamil Mutangula Kibeedi’s appointment to the Supreme Court, filling the vacancy left by Justice Esther Kisaakye - who fled to exile last year after fallout with the Judiciary.
READ:
Museveni Appoints Flavian Zeija as Deputy Chief Justice
JSC Disowns Reports of Judicial Appointments
The President has forwarded the names of all appointees to Parliament for approval, reinforcing what the statement described as "the government's commitment to a strong and effective judiciary in Uganda."
The confirmation comes in stark contrast to an earlier statement from the JSC, which had dismissed the reports as unauthorised.
The Commission, through acting senior communications officer Maria Theresa Nabulya, had urged the public to disregard the information circulating in the media, insisting that official judicial appointments are only communicated through designated platforms such as the JSC's official website and X account (@JSCUganda).
Sources suggest that the initial reports of the appointments were leaked after the list was sent to the Speaker of Parliament for vetting.
The JSC’s public denial, now contradicted by the Presidency’s statement, raises questions about internal communication between the government’s institutions and the transparency of the appointment process.
Beyond Zeija and Kibeedi’s promotions, the list includes eight new justices of the Court of Appeal and 21 acting judges for the High Court.
Among the appointees to the appellate court are Justices Ssekaana Musa, Ketra Kitariisibwa Katunguka, and Esta Nambayo. The acting High Court judges include Sarah Langa Siu, Rosemary Bareebe Ngabirano, and Susan Odongo.
The conflicting statements have sparked debate within legal circles, with observers questioning whether the JSC had been kept out of the loop or had simply been premature in its dismissal of the appointments. Meanwhile, Parliament is expected to vet and approve the nominees in the coming days.
Full list of Judicial appointments
1. Deputy Chief Justice: Justice Zeija Flavian
2. Justice of the Supreme Court: Justice Muzamil Mutangula Kibeedi
Justices of the Court of Appeal:
1. Justice Ssekaana Musa
2. Lady Justice Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza
3. Lady Justice Stella Alibateese
4. Lady Justice Florence Nakacwa
5. Justice Byaruhanga Jesse Rugyema
6. Justice John Mike Musisi
7. Lady Justice Ketra Kitariisibwa Katunguka
8. Lady Justice Esta Nambayo
Acting judges are of the High Court
1. Sarah Langa Siu
2. Rosemary Bareebe Ngabirano
3. Mary Babirye
4. Lillian Alum Omara
5. Charles Kasibayo
6. HW Mary Kaitesi Kisakye
7. Susan Odongo
8. Karooli Lwanga Ssemogerere
9. Joanita Gertrude Bushara
10. Simon Peter Kinobe Mutegeki
11. Vincent Opyene
12. Sarah Birungi Kalibbala
13. Isaac Teko Bony
14. Deepa Verma
15. Flavia Grace Lamuno
16. Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika
17. Kwemara Kafuuzi Gelase
18. Godfrey Himbaza
19. Andrew Khaukha
20. Dr. Ginamia Melody Ngwatu
21. Ida Nakiganda
