Owiny-Dollo Leaves Chief Justice Job

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo

Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, has retired after four decades of legal service, marking the end of an era. He turned 70, the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice.

He handed over office to deputy chief justice Flavian Zeija.

Owiny-Dollo’s tenure was marked by controversy, particularly the frosty relationship with the Uganda Law Society. Critics accused him of being too close to the Executive, compromising judicial independence. However, he defended his record, citing achievements like increased judicial funding and digitization efforts.

Some notable accomplishments include:

– Increased Funding: The judiciary budget grew from 198 billion to 450 billion shillings.

– Digital Transformation: An electronic case management system was introduced.

– Infrastructure Development: New High Court Circuits and magistrates’ courts were established.

On his resignation, Owiny-Dollo said, “One of the gravest things that may have happened during my tenure is the frosty relations between the Bar and the Bench. And we respond in like manner; there is only one loser. The Judiciary will not lose. Individuals in the Uganda Law Society will lose. I hope it doesn’t come to that,” he said.

He added, “I thank God for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve. My wealth lies in the people of Uganda, in the communities I have served. Our work in the judiciary has made a tangible difference, and the journey continues.”

Profile

Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo is a Ugandan lawyer and judge who served as Chief Justice of Uganda from August 2020 until his retirement in January 2026. He was appointed to the position by President Yoweri Museveni, replacing Chief Justice Bart Katureebe.

Key Roles

– Chief Justice of Uganda (2020-2026)

– Deputy Chief Justice and Head of the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court

– High Court Judge

– Member of Parliament

– Delegate to the Constituent Assembly (drafted Uganda’s 1995 Constitution)

– Government Minister

Notable Achievements

– Delivered the landmark judgment in the 2010 Kampala terrorist bombings case

– Championed judicial reforms and modernization efforts

– Engaged in peacebuilding initiatives, including a meeting with Joseph Kony in the DRC

MORE ON OWINY-DOLLO

The most important judgement from Owiny-Dollo’s Supreme Court in his final year was the ruling on trial of civilians in military courts, which his boss President Museveni criticized. (See Details Here, There and Over There).