PROFILE: The Rise and Rise of Dr Flavian Zeija – Interesting Facts About Uganda’s Newly Appointed Chief Justice

Dr Flavian Zeija has been appointed as Uganda’s new Chief Justice, replacing Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Owiny-Dollo is credited with overseeing several key reforms during his tenure, including efforts to enhance judicial independence and improve court efficiency.

Notably, he ruled that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional, a decision that did not sit well with President Yoweri Museveni, who publicly rebuked him, stating that judges do not own Uganda. (See Details Here and There).

President Yoweri Museveni made the appointment of Dr Flavian Zeija in line with the Constitution and on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.

Zeija’s ascension to the top judicial office comes just months after he was appointed Deputy Chief Justice, highlighting his rapid rise through the ranks.

Appointment and Vetting

Zeija’s appointment was confirmed by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, chaired by Speaker Anita Among, who stated, “Earlier today, we convened the appointments committee of parliament to vet Justice Flavian Zeija, who was appointed by His Excellency the President to serve as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda.”

State House announced the appointment, saying, “In exercise of the powers vested in the President by Article 142(1) of the 1995 Constitution, and acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Hon. Justice Flavian Zeija as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda.”

Dr Flavian Zeija Biography

Dr Flavian Zeija was born on February 18, 1969, in Western Uganda, specifically in the Kigezi region, to the late Mr. Zeija and Mrs. Zeija.

He is currently 57 years old.

Kigezi, known for its lush hills and strong cultural heritage, is a region that has produced several prominent Ugandan leaders, including Prof Augustus Niwagaba, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda.

Zeija attended St Mary’s College Rushoroza for his secondary education, where he served as the head prefect.

Zeija’s academic journey continued at Makerere University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1996, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in 1997.

Dr Flavian Zeija Education

– Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Makerere University (1996)

– Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Law Development Centre (1997)

– Master of Laws (LLM), Makerere University (2002)

– PhD in Law, University of Dar es Salaam (2013)

– Master of Business Administration (MBA), Uganda Martyrs University (2018)

Dr Flavian Zeija Career Highlights

– Legal Assistant, Kwesigabo, Bamwine, Walubiri & Company Advocates (1998)

– Manager, Legal and Recovery, Tropical Africa Bank (2002-2003)

– Legal Counsel, FINCA Uganda Limited

– Managing Partner, Zeija, Mukasa & Company Advocates

– High Court Judge (2016)

– Resident Judge, Mbarara High Court Circuit

– Principal Judge (2019)

– Deputy Chief Justice (February 2025)

– Chief Justice (January 2026)

Zeija has also taught law at Uganda Christian University, Makerere University, and Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where he was the founding head of the Department of Business Law.

He is known for advocating for reforms aimed at reducing delays, strengthening court administration, and restoring public confidence in the Judiciary.

2026 presidential election petition

As a judge of the Court of Appeal, Zeija handled several high-profile cases. In _Uganda vs. Kiggundu and Others_, he was part of the panel that ruled on a major corruption case involving several high-ranking officials. Zeija also presided over commercial and land disputes, including Kalemera H. Kimera vs Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II, where he dismissed a suit over inheritance rights.

Justice Flavian Zeija’s first major task as Chief Justice will be leading the Supreme Court bench to decide on the presidential election petition filed by Robert Kasibante, challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election victory.

Kasibante alleges widespread electoral irregularities, violence, and breaches of the law, including failure to gazette polling stations and misuse of biometric voter verification machines.  (See Details Here).

It should be remembered that Museveni’s main challenger Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has said he will not contest the results in the Supreme Court. (Read Bobi Wine’s full interview on his next move, call for protests to remove Museveni and other issues Here).

It should be remembered that no Supreme Court has ever ruled to nullify Museveni’s election victory.

Drama in the previous election petition hearing

It should also be recalled that there was  drama in the 2021 presidential election petition involving then-Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo and Justice Esther Kisaakye.

Kisaakye, the most experience judge on the Supreme Court panel then, accused Owiny-Dollo of misconduct and bias, alleging he made disparaging remarks about her and attempted to influence the outcome. She walked out of proceedings and filed a complaint with the Judicial Service Commission, accusing Owiny-Dollo of compromising the judiciary’s integrity. (See Details Here, There and Over There).