President Museveni has praised retired Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo for a corruption-free career and his role in strengthening Uganda’s judiciary during a homecoming event in Gulu City.
President Yoweri Museveni in a group photo with former UPC Presidential Candidate, Olara Otunnu and Former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City during the latter's homecoming ceremony.
Gulu City, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised retired Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo for what he described as a corruption-free career and a lasting contribution to strengthening Uganda’s judiciary.
Museveni made the remarks during a grand homecoming ceremony held at Kaunda Grounds on Sunday, where political leaders, cultural figures and hundreds of residents gathered to celebrate Owiny-Dollo’s service.
In his address to the guests, Museveni said he had “registered three important things” about Owiny-Dollo, starting with his integrity. “During the time I have worked with him, I can testify to three qualities: the first one is that I have never heard any story of personal corruption involving him in the judiciary,” he said.
The President noted that while corruption concerns are sometimes raised within the justice system, Owiny-Dollo’s name has never been associated with such allegations. “I normally get stories that there is still corruption in the judiciary, but I have never heard his name associated with any of them,” he added.
Museveni also credited the retired Chief Justice for promoting unity and reconciliation in Northern Uganda, especially during the region’s recovery from years of conflict.
Additionally, he praised Owiny-Dollo for advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms within the judiciary. “I was talking about Alternative Dispute Resolution all the time, but no one in the judiciary was picking it up until his Lordship Owiny-Dollo came and embraced it,” Museveni said.
He noted that ADR has helped reduce court case backlogs and improved access to justice.
The ceremony attracted several leaders, including Hilary Onek, who described Owiny-Dollo as a disciplined leader and committed nationalist. The Minister said the retired Chief Justice’s leadership offers a model for future public servants.
The event also featured Acholi cultural performances and tributes from community members who credited Owiny-Dollo for promoting justice and reconciliation in the region.
Owiny-Dollo calls for agricultural transformation
In his remarks, Owiny-Dollo thanked the President for appointing him Chief Justice and supporting peace in Northern Uganda. “I thank the President for the role he played in restoring peace and stability in the region after years of conflict,” he said.
He urged leaders and communities in the Acholi Sub-region to prioritise agriculture as a pathway to economic transformation. “Acholi sub-region is bigger than Rwanda. Rwanda is about 26,000 square kilometres, but Acholi is about 28,000 square kilometres,” Owiny-Dollo noted.
Retired Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo (L) joins cultural dancers at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City during his homecoming ceremony
The former CJ emphasised that the region’s vast and fertile land can support large-scale agricultural production and improve livelihoods.
“We can do our part by sensitising our people and offering leadership advice, but we can only do so much. If the government joins hands with us, we will each play our role for the benefit of our people,” he added.
The homecoming ceremony marked Owiny-Dollo’s return to his home region following retirement, with many leaders describing the event as a celebration of justice, integrity and national healing.
For residents and leaders alike, the occasion underscored the importance of strong institutions and unity in rebuilding Northern Uganda after decades of conflict.
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Gulu City, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised retired Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo for what he described as a corruption-free career and a lasting contribution to strengthening Uganda’s judiciary.
Museveni made the remarks during a grand homecoming ceremony held at Kaunda Grounds on Sunday, where political leaders, cultural figures and hundreds of residents gathered to celebrate Owiny-Dollo’s service.
In his address to the guests, Museveni said he had “registered three important things” about Owiny-Dollo, starting with his integrity. “During the time I have worked with him, I can testify to three qualities: the first one is that I have never heard any story of personal corruption involving him in the judiciary,” he said.
The President noted that while corruption concerns are sometimes raised within the justice system, Owiny-Dollo’s name has never been associated with such allegations. “I normally get stories that there is still corruption in the judiciary, but I have never heard his name associated with any of them,” he added.
Museveni also credited the retired Chief Justice for promoting unity and reconciliation in Northern Uganda, especially during the region’s recovery from years of conflict.
Additionally, he praised Owiny-Dollo for advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms within the judiciary. “I was talking about Alternative Dispute Resolution all the time, but no one in the judiciary was picking it up until his Lordship Owiny-Dollo came and embraced it,” Museveni said.
He noted that ADR has helped reduce court case backlogs and improved access to justice.
The ceremony attracted several leaders, including Hilary Onek, who described Owiny-Dollo as a disciplined leader and committed nationalist. The Minister said the retired Chief Justice’s leadership offers a model for future public servants.
The event also featured Acholi cultural performances and tributes from community members who credited Owiny-Dollo for promoting justice and reconciliation in the region.
Owiny-Dollo calls for agricultural transformation
In his remarks, Owiny-Dollo thanked the President for appointing him Chief Justice and supporting peace in Northern Uganda. “I thank the President for the role he played in restoring peace and stability in the region after years of conflict,” he said.
He urged leaders and communities in the Acholi Sub-region to prioritise agriculture as a pathway to economic transformation. “Acholi sub-region is bigger than Rwanda. Rwanda is about 26,000 square kilometres, but Acholi is about 28,000 square kilometres,” Owiny-Dollo noted.
The former CJ emphasised that the region’s vast and fertile land can support large-scale agricultural production and improve livelihoods.
“We can do our part by sensitising our people and offering leadership advice, but we can only do so much. If the government joins hands with us, we will each play our role for the benefit of our people,” he added.
The homecoming ceremony marked Owiny-Dollo’s return to his home region following retirement, with many leaders describing the event as a celebration of justice, integrity and national healing.
For residents and leaders alike, the occasion underscored the importance of strong institutions and unity in rebuilding Northern Uganda after decades of conflict.
Related
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.