President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the growing judicial convergence in Uganda, noting that it has strengthened national stability and improved service delivery.
The remarks came during the swearing-in of Dr. Flavian Zeija as Chief Justice at the President’s country home in Kisozi, Gomba District.
He was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
President Museveni highlighted that since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power, leaders have prioritized patriotism and transformation, enabling the Judiciary and the Executive to coexist and work harmoniously.
He commended the outgoing Chief Justice, His Lordship Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, for efforts to rationalize court operations and enhance efficiency.
The President particularly welcomed the Judiciary’s emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), noting that it allows for the integration of cultural justice systems with modern courts, helping to reduce case backlogs and promote reconciliation.
He also praised Dr. Zeija for declaring zero tolerance for corruption, describing the vice as a major obstacle to public trust in the justice system.
“Listening to public opinion and using the intelligence of the people is critical,” President Museveni said, noting that during his recent countrywide engagements, he prioritized hearing citizens’ views over campaigning.
He also expressed support for the proposed dedicated unit to handle government infrastructure cases, emphasizing that it would safeguard public investments and accelerate project implementation.
In his remarks, Dr. Zeija described leadership in public service as demanding and credited his journey to God’s grace.
He thanked President Museveni for the continued trust placed in him, noting that this appointment marks his fourth presidential appointment within the Judiciary.
Dr. Zeija outlined an ambitious reform agenda aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and access to justice.
He pledged to operationalize magistrates’ courts, enforce strict action against absenteeism and underperformance, and conduct independent assessments of court performance.
He also committed to reducing case delays by enforcing timelines, expanding the use of information and communication technology (ICT), and fully automating court systems for better monitoring and evaluation.
“Automation will also help track the attendance and performance of judicial officers,” Dr. Zeija said. He further promised to strengthen ADR mechanisms, prioritize the wellbeing of judicial officers, train judges in artificial intelligence to keep pace with global developments, transform the Industrial Court, run paperless courts supported by functional laptops and reliable internet, and enforce zero tolerance for corruption throughout his tenure.
Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi, representing the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, thanked President Museveni for his exceptional leadership, which ensures national stability and smooth institutional transitions, including orderly changes within the Judiciary.
The outgoing Chief Justice, His Lordship Owiny-Dollo, congratulated President Museveni on his electoral victory, saying the results reflected strong public support.
He praised Dr. Zeija as energetic and hands-on, recalling that, as Principal Judge, he traveled across the country and remained fully informed about judicial operations.
Hon. Justice Owiny-Dollo expressed confidence that the incoming Chief Justice would firmly defend judicial independence and the rule of law. He also thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, noting that he was the first Deputy Chief Justice to rise to the position of Chief Justice.
He attributed improvements during his tenure partly to increased funding for the Judiciary and appealed for further budget enhancements to ensure every district has a Chief Magistrate.
Before his appointment as Chief Justice, Dr. Zeija served as Deputy Chief Justice and previously as Principal Judge.
