Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija is appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, chaired by Speaker Anita Among, for vetting as Uganda’s next Chief Justice. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni nominated Zeija following the retirement of outgoing Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Justice Zeija brings extensive judicial experience to the role. He previously served as Principal Judge of the High Court from December 2019, overseeing the administration of the High Court and lower magistrates’ courts. In February 2025, he was elevated to Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, heading the Court of Appeal and implementing reforms such as ending indefinite “judgments on notice” to reduce uncertainty for litigants.
A lawyer, academic, and jurist, Zeija holds a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws from Makerere University, a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam, and an MBA from Uganda Martyrs University. He joined the bench in 2016 as a High Court judge, initially serving as Resident Judge in Mbarara. Before that, he practiced law as managing partner at Zeija, Mukasa & Company Advocates, taught at Makerere University and Uganda Christian University, and served as legal counsel for FINCA Uganda.
Under Article 142(1) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda (as amended), the Chief Justice is appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, with the approval of Parliament. Article 143 outlines qualifications, requiring a candidate to have served as a justice of the Supreme Court (or equivalent) or practiced as an advocate for at least 20 years before a court of unlimited jurisdiction.
The Appointments Committee’s vetting scrutinizes the nominee’s suitability, integrity, and fitness for office. Its report is then tabled in Parliament for debate and approval—or rejection—before the appointment is finalized. The nomination comes at a pivotal time for Uganda’s judiciary, amid ongoing efforts to reduce case backlogs, improve efficiency, and strengthen the rule of law—issues Justice Zeija has publicly prioritized in his prior roles. Parliament’s oversight ensures that the Chief Justice maintains independence while being accountable to Ugandans. Updates on the committee’s proceedings and the outcome of Justice Zeija’s vetting are expected soon.
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