Kampala, Uganda: President Museveni has appointed Dr Flavian Zeija as Uganda’s new Chief Justice, bringing to the helm of the Judiciary a blend of courtroom experience, academic depth and administrative leadership accumulated over nearly three decades in the legal profession.
Born on February 18, 1969, in Western Uganda, Justice Zeija pursued his early education locally before joining Makerere University in 1993. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1996 and later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in 1997.
He continued his academic advancement with a Master of Laws (LLM) from Makerere University in 2002, a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Uganda Martyrs University, reflecting a rare combination of legal scholarship and management training.
Justice Zeija was enrolled as an advocate of the High Court in 1998, embarking on private legal practice where he rose to become managing partner at Zeija, Mukasa and Company Advocates. Alongside practice, he lectured at institutions including Uganda Christian University, while also undertaking consultancy work in law and governance.
His judicial career began in 2016 when he was appointed a High Court Judge, initially serving as Resident Judge of the Mbarara High Court Circuit, one of Uganda’s busiest jurisdictions. His tenure there was marked by a focus on case management and improving court efficiency.
In December 2019, President Yoweri Museveni elevated Zeija to Principal Judge, placing him in charge of supervising High Court judges, assigning duties across circuits, and overseeing magistrates’ courts nationwide as the third-highest ranking judicial officer.
His rise continued in February 2025, when he was appointed Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, replacing the retiring Richard Buteera. He was sworn in at State House Entebbe, where he publicly committed to upholding respect for the law and humanity, while calling for reform of outdated practices, particularly in inheritance and land disputes.
Known within legal circles for his strong views on access to justice, Justice Zeija has consistently advocated for reforms aimed at reducing delays, strengthening court administration and restoring public confidence in the Judiciary.
Earlier on Thursday, Parliament’s Appointments Committee vetted Justice Zeija following his nomination as Chief Justice, with the committee’s report set to be forwarded to the appointing authority in line with parliamentary procedure, as confirmed by Speaker Anita Among.
His appointment follows the retirement of former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo and signals continuity in judicial leadership at a time of transition at the apex of Uganda’s courts.
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