Ugandan President Museveni has appointed a new Chief Justice days after his reelection to office.  

The appointment of Justice Flavian Zeija comes as a replacement for Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny, who has since handed over the tools of power to Deputy Dr Flavian, retiring at the age of 70

While confirming the power shift on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the Ugandan Judiciary has acknowledged the end of a close to five-year tenure of Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny – Dollo and thanked the dedication to service that he portrayed.

“Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny – Dollo, this afternoon formally handed over office to the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, marking the close of a five-year tenure at the helm of the Judiciary,” Ugandan Judiciary stated.

After the appointment, the Ugandan parliament immediately kick-started the vetting process through the parliament’s Committee on Appointments, chaired by the Speaker of the Parliament.

“Parliament’s Committee on Appointments, chaired by the Speaker, is currently vetting the Hon Justice Flavian Zeija, who has been nominated by President Museveni for appointment as Chief Justice,” stated the Ugandan parliament.

The appointment of the new judge in Uganda comes at a time when the democracy of the country and the question of independence of the independent bodies and forces of the government are in question in the country, with the leader of the opposition, Bobi Wine, calling on the international community to intervene, arguing that the concerns of the just concluded elections have not been addressed.

The opposition leaders in the country have been reportedly harassed by the state, thereby questioning the independence of the government institutions in the country.