Agago, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Saturday, July 12, hailed Uganda’s Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo for his unwavering commitment to truth and his transformative leadership in the Judiciary.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving ceremony held at Patong Town Council in Agago District, President Museveni praised the Chief Justice for rejecting tribal divisions and misinformation during Northern Uganda’s troubled past, noting that his principled stance has shaped his remarkable career.
“Kony was lying to the people of Northern Uganda that the NRM government hated them, but Justice Owiny-Dollo saw the truth and refused to be misled. That is why we have worked together all these years,” said Museveni.
The President commended the Chief Justice for steering Uganda’s Judiciary away from what he described as its former “childish and unserious” state, highlighting his championing of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a game-changer for access to justice.
“I salute his contribution to transforming the Judiciary. ADR has localized justice and brought solutions closer to our people,” Museveni said.
On wealth creation, Museveni reminded the gathering that while infrastructure like roads and electricity is vital, true transformation hinges on household-level income generation. He cited examples of successful small-scale farmers earning millions annually, underscoring the NRM’s consistent call since 1996 for Ugandans to embrace enterprise-based agriculture.
Reflecting on Uganda’s army reforms, Museveni recalled advising former President Milton Obote to abandon tribalism within the military — advice that was ignored and led to national suffering under Idi Amin. He contrasted this with today’s UPDF recruitment from all districts, which he said reflects national unity.
In his remarks, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo refuted perceptions that President Museveni delights in war, describing him as a “patient and peaceful leader who only despises injustice.” He thanked the President for bolstering the Judiciary’s independence through increased funding.
“You have thanked me for transforming the Judiciary, but it is the President who made it possible,” said Owiny-Dollo, who is set to retire in six months upon reaching the mandatory age of 70.
He pledged to return to Agago after retirement to focus on community transformation, emphasizing that his true wealth lies not in material possessions but in people and relationships.
Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija praised Owiny-Dollo’s passion for alternative justice systems, revealing his recent academic achievements in dispute resolution and arbitration from Pepperdine University. Justice Owiny-Dollo also chairs the African Chief Justices Forum on ADR.
Minister for Relief and Refugees, Hon. Hilary Onek, and Agago Woman MP Hon. Akello Akori also lauded the Chief Justice’s integrity and friendship, while Akori raised concerns over pending compensation for victims of cattle rustling and the LRA insurgency.
Uganda’s Deputy Inspectorate of Government Patricia Achan Okiria was also present at the ceremony, highlighting the significance of justice and leadership in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The Thanksgiving function attracted leaders and citizens from across the country, united in celebrating Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo’s legacy of truth, reform, and service.
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