President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the judiciary to investigate a controversial land eviction in Kiboga District and called for urgent reforms in Uganda’s judicial system to ensure justice reflects societal realities.
The President made the remarks on April 23, 2025, at State House Entebbe during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija.
Museveni expressed concern over irrational court decisions and outdated legal processes, particularly in land and inheritance matters. “Why should people go through unnecessary procedures to inherit property?” he asked, advocating for the revival of traditional clan-based dispute resolution systems.
He also criticized the current requirement for families to resolve estate disputes through the Administrator General’s office, calling it “unfair and disconnected from community traditions.”
The President welcomed Dr. Zeija’s commitment to reform, saying, “I appreciate your concern about some irrational judicial decisions.”
In his maiden speech, Dr. Zeija pledged to prioritize reforms that make justice more accessible and culturally relevant. “Justice must reflect the lived realities of our people,” he said, vowing to address outdated legal procedures that burden citizens.
Turning to the Kiboga land dispute, President Museveni recounted his personal visit to the site where a farmer, Badiru Mwanje, had been evicted from his developed farm by a man identified as Ainebyona. He condemned the eviction as unjust and elitist.
“I went to the scene and found armed men occupying the farm. The court had ruled to maintain the status quo, but the status quo had been established by the invader. How could that be?” Museveni asked.
He demanded answers from the judiciary. “Who authorized the eviction? This is not justice,” he said, urging the Acting Principal Judge to probe the magistrate involved.
Museveni emphasized that only the courts and the Ministry of Lands have the legal authority to execute evictions. “Even I, as President, cannot evict someone without due process,” he said.
He warned against individuals bypassing legal systems to usurp state power. “This kind of lawlessness is dangerous. We must protect our people from injustice, especially when the system appears to side with the wrongdoer,” he added.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo praised Dr. Zeija as a visionary and hardworking judicial officer. He also commended outgoing Deputy Chief Justice Justice Richard Buteera for 44 years of dedicated service.
“We were fortunate to have an administration guided by participatory leadership,” said Owiny-Dollo, who also thanked the President for “timely and thoughtful appointments.”
The Chief Justice reported progress in expanding High Court circuits across Uganda, including new ones in Entebbe, Wakiso, Lugazi, and parts of the Acholi region. He called for increased support in infrastructure, ICT, and staff transport.
Looking ahead, he announced that Uganda will host the Chief Justices’ Forum in May, focusing on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), a model he has championed to reduce case backlog.
On his part, Dr. Zeija expressed gratitude for the appointment. “I am humbled to have been entrusted with this duty. I thank God and I’m grateful to you for finding me worthy,” he said.
He acknowledged challenges in Uganda’s judicial system and stressed the need for better infrastructure, especially in upcountry courts.
Dr. Zeija also paid tribute to his late mother for raising him single-handedly and dedicated the appointment to her and his wife.
The event was attended by senior judicial officers, including Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana, outgoing Deputy Chief Justice Buteera, and other dignitaries.
