The Nyarushanje Community in Kampala on Sunday held a surprise thanksgiving Holy Mass and dinner in honour of Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, following his recent appointment as Chief Justice of Uganda.
The thanksgiving, organised by members of the Nyarushanje Community, took place at Pope Paul VI Memorial Hotel and was intended as a moment of gratitude to God for what the community described as a remarkable journey marked by discipline, integrity, and service.
Community members said the Chief Justice’s elevation was a powerful reminder that greatness can emerge from humble beginnings. In a message shared during the function, they noted that his rise embodies the values of Nyarushanje and stands as an inspiration to both the community and the nation, demonstrating that dedication, faith, and perseverance can lead to the highest levels of public service.
The event drew Members of Parliament from Rukungiri District, community leaders, friends, and family members. Nyarushanje, located in Rukungiri District, is the Chief Justice’s home parish and falls under Kabale Diocese.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, who called on the faithful to keep the Chief Justice in prayer as he assumes the demanding responsibility of leading the Judiciary. He thanked the organisers for arranging the thanksgiving, noting that such milestones are worthy of celebration and gratitude to God.
During the service, the community entrusted the work of the courts to Almighty God, praying for courage, wisdom, humility, and discernment for all those involved in the administration of justice.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Zeija thanked the Bishop Rubaramira for praying with the community and expressed gratitude to members of the Nyarushanje Community for the surprise celebration. Reflecting on the theme, “But by the Grace of God, I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10), he emphasised that attaining high office is ultimately by God’s grace.
He noted that leadership at all levels is a divine calling and that positions of authority are expressions of God’s anointing. The Chief Justice also observed that those in high office often face misinformation and misrepresentation, particularly on social media, and urged focus, integrity, and resilience in the face of such challenges.
Former Makerere University and Kabale University Chancellor, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, congratulated the Chief Justice and thanked the President for appointing him. He described the role of leading the Judiciary as weighty, demanding courage and ethical leadership, and expressed confidence in the Chief Justice’s integrity.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Charles Lwanga Zaribwije, the Chief Justice’s brother, thanked God and their late parents for raising them in a prayerful and disciplined home. He attributed the achievement to hard work, perseverance, and strong spiritual grounding, while cautioning against misleading narratives circulating on social media.
The Chairperson of the Nyarushanje Community in Kampala, Mr. Narcis Tumushabe Rwangoga, described the occasion as a moment of collective pride and thanksgiving. He recalled growing up and praying together with the Chief Justice, highlighting his long-standing qualities of discipline, focus, humility, and effective time management.
In the same spirit of celebration, it was also noted that on Sunday, 8 February 2026, Friends Forever—a friends’ group to which the Chief Justice belongs—organised a surprise thanksgiving Holy Mass and dinner at Emperor Heights Kisubi, to pray for and commit him to God as he takes up his new responsibilities.
