Entebbe, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Hon. Dr. Flavian Zeija as Uganda’s new Deputy Chief Justice, replacing Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, who officially retired after over four decades of service to the judiciary.
The event, held at State House Entebbe, marked a significant transition at the helm of Uganda’s judicial leadership, with President Museveni commending Justice Buteera for his distinguished 44-year career and welcoming Justice Zeija’s progressive views on reforming the country’s legal system.
“I witnessed the swearing-in of our new Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Dr. Flavian Zeija, at State House, Entebbe. I thank the retiring Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Richard Buteera, who has served the judiciary for over 44 years, and congratulate Dr. Zeija on his appointment. I welcome his remarks about outdated and irrational legal practices, particularly in matters of inheritance and land disputes,” President Museveni posted on Wednesday evening.
Dr. Zeija steps into his new role with a firm judicial background, having served as Principal Judge since 2019. His tenure at the High Court saw him oversee case backlog reduction efforts and advocate for digital innovations within the judiciary.
During the swearing-in, Mr Museveni endorsed Zeija’s remarks on the need to realign Uganda’s legal frameworks with societal realities, particularly in areas concerning land disputes and inheritance.
“There is a need for a justice system that aligns with societal realities,” Museveni noted. “Why should people go through such unnecessary procedures to inherit property?”
The President questioned existing legal practices that require complex processes for property succession, especially within families. He suggested a return to community-based mechanisms, as seen in traditional clan settings before the evolution of the modern state. “If the law allows girls to inherit property, provided it’s in a will or agreed upon by the clan, then we should incorporate that into the law,” he said.
Justice Zeija’s elevation comes at a time when Uganda’s judiciary is under pressure to modernize its operations, address corruption concerns, and improve access to justice for ordinary citizens.
As Deputy Chief Justice, Zeija will be tasked with leading the Court of Appeal and overseeing key constitutional matters, especially ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Judicial observers note that Zeija’s academic background, holding a PhD in law and a track record in judicial administration, positions him well to spearhead reforms. However, his challenge will lie in balancing tradition with modernization, as well as streamlining court operations to serve the public more efficiently.
His appointment completes a wave of recent leadership changes in Uganda’s top courts, following the retirement of several senior justices.
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