By Racheal Namusoke
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised what he described as growing judicial convergence in Uganda, saying it has contributed to national stability and improved service delivery.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Flavian Zeija as Chief Justice at his country home in Kisozi, Gomba District. He was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni.
President Museveni said that since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) assumed power, the country’s leadership has prioritised patriotism and socio-economic transformation, creating an environment in which the Judiciary and the Executive can coexist and work harmoniously.
He commended the outgoing Chief Justice, His Lordship Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, for rationalising court operations and improving efficiency within the justice system. The President particularly welcomed the Judiciary’s increasing emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), noting that it offers an opportunity to integrate cultural justice mechanisms with formal court processes.
“This approach reduces case backlog, promotes reconciliation and delivers justice faster,” the President said.
President Museveni also applauded Dr. Zeija for declaring zero tolerance to corruption, describing the vice as a major threat to public confidence in the justice system. He emphasised the importance of listening to public opinion, saying that during his recent countrywide engagements, his focus was on gathering citizens’ views rather than campaigning.
The President further expressed support for a proposed specialised unit to handle government infrastructure-related cases, saying it would help safeguard public investments and accelerate project implementation.
In his inaugural remarks, Chief Justice Zeija described leadership in public service as demanding and attributed his rise to God’s grace. He thanked President Museveni for the continued trust placed in him, noting that the appointment marks his fourth presidential appointment within the Judiciary.
Dr. Zeija outlined an ambitious reform agenda aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability and access to justice. He pledged to operationalise magistrates’ courts, take firm action against absenteeism and underperformance, and conduct independent assessments of court performance.
He also committed to reducing case delays by enforcing strict timelines, expanding the use of information and communication technology, and fully automating court systems to improve monitoring and evaluation. Automation, he said, would also enable better tracking of judicial officers’ attendance and performance.
The Chief Justice further promised to strengthen ADR mechanisms, prioritise the welfare of judicial officers and train judges in artificial intelligence to keep pace with global developments. He pledged to transform the Industrial Court, implement paperless courts supported by functional laptops and reliable internet, and enforce zero tolerance to corruption throughout his tenure.
The Deputy Attorney General, Mr Jackson Kafuuzi, who represented the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, thanked President Museveni for what he described as exceptional leadership that has ensured national stability and smooth institutional transitions, including the orderly change of leadership within the Judiciary.
The outgoing Chief Justice, His Lordship Owiny-Dollo, congratulated President Museveni on his electoral victory, saying the results reflected strong public support. He described Dr. Zeija as energetic and hands-on, recalling that as Principal Judge, he traversed courts across the country and remained well-informed about judicial operations.
Justice Owiny-Dollo expressed confidence that the new Chief Justice would firmly defend judicial independence and the rule of law. He also thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, noting that he was the first Deputy Chief Justice to rise to the position of Chief Justice. He attributed improvements during his tenure partly to increased funding for the Judiciary and appealed for further budget enhancement to ensure that each district is staffed with a Chief Magistrate.
Before his appointment as Chief Justice, Dr. Zeija served as Deputy Chief Justice and previously as Principal Judge.
