Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo on Monday formally handed over leadership of the Judiciary to Deputy Chief Justice Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, bringing to a close his five-year tenure at the helm of Uganda’s judicial system. He retired upon reaching the mandatory age of 70.
During a ceremony attended by judicial and non-judicial officers, Justice Owiny-Dollo handed Justice Zeija key instruments of office, including the Constitution, the Laws of Uganda, the Administration of the Judiciary Act, and a comprehensive handover report intended to guide continuity in leadership.
In his farewell remarks, Justice Owiny-Dollo thanked the Judiciary’s top management and staff for their support throughout his term, describing the institution as his second family. He said he would always consider himself part of the Judiciary and stressed the importance of concluding all pending matters before retiring from active judicial service.
Justice Zeija praised the outgoing Chief Justice for his inclusive and transformative leadership, particularly at the beginning of his tenure when he championed wide-ranging judicial reforms. He credited Justice Owiny-Dollo for securing a significant increase in the Judiciary’s budget, promoting the Africanisation of Uganda’s Judiciary through initiatives such as the African ADR Forum, and strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.
He also recalled Justice Owiny-Dollo’s earlier role in initiating peace negotiations between the Lord’s Resistance Army and the Government of Uganda, describing him as a leader who consistently empowered colleagues and created space for effective performance.
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described Justice Owiny-Dollo as a mentor and source of inspiration, applauding his patient, consultative, and wise leadership. She highlighted his role in re-engineering Alternative Dispute Resolution and Alternative Justice Systems, reforms she said have left a lasting imprint on the justice sector.
She noted that plea bargaining, introduced under his leadership, transformed criminal procedure by reducing case backlogs and delays, easing pressure on courts and justice actors, and encouraging more restorative outcomes.
“These reforms greatly strengthened the mandate of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and significantly accelerated case disposal across the justice sector,” she said.
Lady Justice Abodo also thanked Justice Owiny-Dollo for the guidance and support he offered her upon her appointment as Principal Judge, noting that his openness eased her transition into office.
Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, commended Justice Owiny-Dollo for supporting the institution’s 15-point programme, particularly in strengthening financial discipline, accountability, and budget growth within the Judiciary.
The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, described the handover as a moment of reflection and gratitude. She said Justice Owiny-Dollo served the nation with integrity, courage, and commitment to justice, noting that his leadership strengthened judicial systems, enhanced professionalism, and reaffirmed the Judiciary’s constitutional mandate to dispense justice fairly and independently.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers praised Justice Owiny-Dollo for his humility, resilience, and respect for Uganda’s cultural diversity, as the Judiciary marked a transition in leadership while acknowledging the legacy of reforms implemented during his tenure.
