President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised retired Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo for his integrity, leadership, and contribution to Uganda’s justice system during a grand homecoming ceremony held at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City.
National leaders, cultural and religious figures, family members, and residents gathered for the ceremony to honour Owiny-Dollo’s service to the country and his role in strengthening the rule of law.
In his address, President Museveni congratulated the retired Chief Justice for the recognition from his community. He described the honour as a celebration of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.
The President commended the people of Acholi for recognising leaders who have contributed to national development and unity.
Museveni highlighted three key contributions made by Owiny-Dollo during his time in public service.
First, he praised the retired Chief Justice for his integrity and ethical conduct.
“Despite persistent concerns about corruption in some sectors, I have never heard Owiny-Dollo associated with corrupt practices,” Museveni said.
Second, the President recognised Owiny-Dollo’s efforts to strengthen the judiciary, especially his support for expanding Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms to reduce court congestion and improve access to justice.
Third, Museveni applauded Owiny-Dollo’s role in promoting unity and reconciliation in Northern Uganda during the region’s recovery after years of conflict.
The President also used the occasion to emphasise the need for economic transformation through household participation in productive activities.
He encouraged families to adopt small-scale enterprises suitable for households with limited land, including poultry farming for eggs, dairy production, coffee growing, fruit cultivation, and fish farming.
Museveni said the government’s strategy prioritises intensive agriculture rather than large-scale farming that requires extensive land.
He noted that crops such as cotton, maize, sugarcane, and rubber require large land holdings and are less suitable for smallholder farmers.
The President also stressed the importance of producing for reliable markets.
He said Uganda should take advantage of growing markets within the East African region and across the African continent.
According to Museveni, the country’s economic transformation will largely depend on millions of small-scale producers working collectively.
He cited regions such as Masaka where smallholder farmers have increased production of commodities like coffee and milk.
Before the President spoke, Chief Justice Emeritus Owiny-Dollo thanked Museveni for attending the ceremony and for supporting Northern Uganda.
“I thank H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for attending this ceremony and for his longstanding support to Northern Uganda,” Owiny-Dollo said.
He also acknowledged the role played by the government in restoring peace in the region.
Owiny-Dollo said the stability had enabled communities to rebuild their lives, pursue education, and strengthen institutions.
Looking ahead, the retired Chief Justice announced plans to focus on community revival and wealth creation in the Acholi sub-region.
He said decades of conflict left many households economically vulnerable.
Owiny-Dollo urged communities to move beyond the rhetoric of past conflicts and focus on rebuilding livelihoods through productive economic activities.
He called for people-centred wealth creation initiatives, including better use of idle land and the adoption of mechanised agriculture.
Owiny-Dollo noted that efforts supported by Operation Wealth Creation under the leadership of Gen. (Rtd) Salim Saleh have already begun supporting agricultural mechanisation in the region.
He also proposed establishing an irrigation scheme at Agoro to increase agricultural productivity.
The retired Chief Justice further urged government to review the impact of socio-economic empowerment funds that have been directed to Northern Uganda to ensure they achieve their intended goals.
Owiny-Dollo called on political, cultural, and community leaders across Acholi to take responsibility for driving socio-economic transformation.
He suggested that local by-laws could encourage households to participate actively in wealth creation initiatives.
In remarks delivered on behalf of the Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, the Hon. Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo praised Owiny-Dollo for his distinguished service.
She commended his commitment to strengthening Uganda’s justice system and upholding the rule of law.
Speakers at the event also praised Owiny-Dollo’s leadership, integrity, and dedication to national service.
They highlighted his role in promoting reconciliation in Northern Uganda during the country’s recovery from years of conflict.
The ceremony featured Acholi cultural performances, prayers, and tributes from leaders and community members.
President Museveni concluded by urging leaders and citizens to continue strengthening national institutions, promoting unity, and accelerating Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
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