President Yoweri Museveni has officiated the swearing-in of Hon. Dr. Flavian Zeija as Uganda’s new Deputy Chief Justice, succeeding Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, who retired after an esteemed 44-year career in the judiciary.
The ceremony, held at State House Entebbe, marked a pivotal shift in judicial leadership. President Museveni lauded Justice Buteera’s long-standing service and expressed confidence in Justice Zeija’s forward-thinking vision for legal reform.
“I witnessed the swearing-in of our new Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Dr. Flavian Zeija, at State House, Entebbe. I thank the retiring Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Richard Buteera, for his 44 years of service and congratulate Dr. Zeija on his appointment,” the President posted on Wednesday evening. “I welcome his remarks about outdated and irrational legal practices, especially regarding inheritance and land disputes.”
Dr. Zeija, who has served as Principal Judge since 2019, brings a wealth of experience in judicial administration. During his tenure at the High Court, he championed efforts to reduce case backlogs and promoted digital innovation within the judiciary.
In his remarks, President Museveni supported Zeija’s call for legal reforms that reflect Uganda’s evolving societal context particularly in areas of inheritance and land ownership.
“There is a need for a justice system that aligns with societal realities. Why should people go through such unnecessary procedures to inherit property? In the past, clans handled such issues when there was no centralised authority. Today, if the law allows girls to inherit property, provided it’s in a will or agreed upon by the clan, then we should incorporate that into the law”. President Museveni remarked.
Justice Zeija’s appointment comes amid growing pressure for the judiciary to modernize, combat corruption, and expand access to justice. As Deputy Chief Justice, he will lead the Court of Appeal and play a crucial role in constitutional adjudication ahead of the 2026 general elections.
With a PhD in law and a record of reform-minded leadership, Zeija is seen as well-positioned to guide the judiciary through a period of transition.
His appointment follows a wave of retirements among senior justices, signaling a broader generational shift in Uganda’s top courts.
