Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has officially retired from judicial service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70, bringing to an end his tenure at the helm of Uganda’s Judiciary.
Owiny-Dollo stepped down on Sunday, January 18, 2026, concluding a judicial career that began in 2008 when he was appointed a judge of the High Court.
He later served on the Court of Appeal before being elevated to Deputy Chief Justice in 2017, and subsequently assumed office as Chief Justice in August 2020.
During his tenure as head of the Judiciary, Owiny-Dollo focused on strengthening the court system through increased funding, improved infrastructure, and the adoption of technology to speed up case handling.
He also promoted mediation, plea bargaining, and small claims courts as alternatives to lengthy litigation processes, initiatives aimed at reducing case backlogs and easing prison congestion.
One of the major developments under his leadership was the relocation of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to a new twin-tower judicial complex in Kampala, constructed to improve access to justice and enhance service delivery.
Unlike previous transitions, Owiny-Dollo leaves office before the appointment of a new Chief Justice. The Judicial Service Commission has already submitted a list of nominees to the President for consideration. Those shortlisted include Justices Mike Chibita, Catherine Bamugemereire, Monica Mugenyi, Christopher Madrama, and Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija.
While his tenure was largely praised for judicial reforms, it also attracted criticism, particularly during the 2021 presidential election petition, which exposed internal disagreements within the Supreme Court.
Before joining the Bench, Owiny-Dollo served as a Member of Parliament, participated in drafting the 1995 Constitution, and worked as legal counsel in peace negotiations. He holds academic qualifications in law and conflict resolution.
