President Museveni has commended what he described as growing judicial convergence in Uganda, saying it has strengthened national stability and improved service delivery.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while presiding over the swearing-in of Dr. Flavian Zeija as Chief Justice at his country home in Kisozi, Gomba District. He was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
Museveni said that since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came into power, leaders have pursued patriotism and socio-economic transformation, enabling the Judiciary and the Executive to coexist and work harmoniously.
He praised the outgoing Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, for efforts to rationalise court operations and enhance efficiency across the judicial system.
The President particularly welcomed the Judiciary’s emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), saying it provides an opportunity to integrate cultural justice mechanisms with formal courts, reduce case backlogs and promote reconciliation.
Museveni also applauded Dr. Zeija for declaring zero tolerance for corruption, describing corruption as a major challenge that undermines public confidence in the justice system.
The President said listening to public opinion and harnessing what he termed the “intelligence of the people” was critical, noting that during his recent countrywide engagements, he prioritised hearing citizens’ views rather than campaigning.
He further expressed support for a proposed dedicated judicial unit to handle government infrastructure-related cases, saying it would help safeguard public investments and accelerate project implementation.
In his inaugural remarks, Dr. Zeija described leadership in public service as demanding and attributed his journey to God’s grace.
He thanked President Museveni for the continued trust placed in him, noting that the appointment marks his fourth presidential appointment within the Judiciary.
Dr. Zeija outlined a wide-ranging reform agenda focused on efficiency, accountability and access to justice. He pledged to operationalise magistrates’ courts, take firm 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, and fully automating court systems to improve monitoring and evaluation. Automation, he said, would also enable tracking of attendance and performance of judicial officers.
The new Chief Justice further promised to strengthen ADR mechanisms, prioritise the welfare of judicial officers, and train judges in artificial intelligence to keep pace with global developments.
He pledged to transform the Industrial Court, introduce paperless courts supported by functional laptops and reliable internet, and enforce zero tolerance for corruption throughout his tenure.
Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi, who represented the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, thanked the President for providing leadership that ensures national stability and smooth institutional transitions, including orderly changes within the Judiciary.
The outgoing Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, congratulated President Museveni on his electoral victory, saying the results reflected strong public support.
He described Dr. Zeija as energetic and hands-on, recalling that as Principal Judge, he toured courts across the country and maintained close oversight of judicial operations.
Owiny-Dollo said the incoming Chief Justice would firmly defend judicial independence and the rule of law. He 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 budgetary enhancement to ensure that each district is staffed with a Chief Magistrate.
Before his appointment as Chief Justice, Dr. Zeija served as Deputy Chief Justice and earlier as Principal Judge.
