Who will replace Owiny-Dollo? Zeija, Chibita, Bamugemereire among big names tipped for Chief Justice seat

Kampala, Uganda – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) last week announced the search for a new Chief Justice as incumbent seat holder, Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, prepares to retire on January 18, 2026, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

In a notice signed by Commission Secretary Dr. Rose Nasaali, the JSC set October 20, 2025, as the deadline for applications, and applicants for the Chief Justice role must have served as a Justice of the Supreme Court or a similar jurisdiction and practiced as an advocate for at least 20 years in both civil and criminal matters.

Justice Owiny-Dollo, who assumed office in 2020, will bow out early next year. The succession race has already drawn attention to several legal heavyweights within the Judiciary and government circles.

Below are some of the Big Names tipped for the race

Dr. Flavian Zeija

The current Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Zeija, rose rapidly through the judicial ranks — from High Court judge in 2016 to Principal Judge in 2019, and later to Deputy Chief Justice in February 2025. Known for his reformist outlook and administrative efficiency, Zeija is seen as a frontrunner to replace Owiny-Dollo. His swift rise makes him one of the Judiciary’s fastest-rising figures in recent memory.

Justice Mike Chibita

Aged 62, Justice Chibita sits on the Supreme Court bench. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University (1989), a Bar Course from the Law Development Centre (1990), and a Master of Laws from the University of Iowa, USA. Appointed to the High Court in 2010, he later served as Director of Public Prosecutions (2015–2019) before joining the Supreme Court. He is remembered for presiding over the retrial of businessman Godfrey Kato Kajubi in 2012, which ended with a life sentence.

Kiryowa Kiwanuka

At 53, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has emerged as a strong contender from the executive wing. A founding partner at K&K Advocates, he has more than 20 years of legal practice, specializing in commercial, civil, and energy law. He has served on several key boards including the Petroleum Authority of Uganda and Makerere University Council, and is credited with steering major government legal battles over the last five years.

Justice Catherine Bamugemereire

Justice Bamugemereire began her public service career as a State Attorney in 1993 before joining the Judiciary as a Magistrate and rising to the High Court in 2010. She has served in the Anti-Corruption Court, Family Division, and Court of Appeal, and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2024. Beyond the bench, she chaired two presidential commissions of inquiry — into land matters and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) — sparking national debate on corruption and governance. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and a Master’s in Comparative Law from Southern Methodist University in the U.S.

Justice Christopher Izama Madrama

Appointed to the Supreme Court in October 2022, Justice Madrama is widely respected for his meticulous and consistent judgments. His reputation for legal clarity and fairness has earned him admiration from peers and practitioners. He has risen through all judicial ranks, from the High Court to the Supreme Court, cementing his reputation as one of Uganda’s most dependable judicial minds.

The Chief Justice heads the Judiciary, presides over Supreme Court sittings, oversees all courts in Uganda, and ensures the efficient administration of justice. As of June 1, Uganda’s Judiciary had 11 Supreme Court justices, 21 Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court justices, and 89 High Court judges.

The recruitment of the next Chief Justice marks the first major test for the new Judicial Service Commission, which is chaired by Justice Douglas Siginza, who succeeded Justice Benjamin Kabiito earlier this year. Once the JSC finalizes its shortlist, the President will make the final appointment in accordance with the Constitution.

According to the Constitution, Justices of the Supreme Court and those of the Court of Appeal or Constitutional Court retire at 70, High Court judges at 65, and Registrars at 60. The Commission (JSC) is mandated to recruit and discipline judicial officers, and the Chief Justice position.