NEW CHIEF JUSTICE ZEIJA SWORN IN, VOWS TO REFORM JUDICIARY
Kampala, January 26, 2026 – Dr. Flavian Zeija was officially sworn in as Uganda’s new Chief Justice in a ceremony at State House on Monday, immediately pledging to embark on comprehensive reforms to strengthen the judiciary and restore public trust.
Zeija took the oath of office, administered by President Yoweri Museveni, before an audience of senior government officials, judicial officers, and diplomats. The event marks a significant transition in the country’s judicial leadership.
In his inaugural address, the new Chief Justice outlined a vision centered on efficiency, integrity, and accessibility. “The journey to a reformed judiciary begins today,” Zeija declared. “My focus will be on expediting the delivery of justice, combating case backlog, and ensuring that every Ugandan, regardless of status, can access our courts with confidence.”
He emphasized the need for judicial independence, ethical conduct, and the adoption of technology to modernize court processes. “We must leverage digital tools to improve record-keeping, case management, and transparency. A justice system delayed is often justice denied,” he added.
President Museveni, in his remarks, congratulated Justice Zeija and urged him to uphold the constitution. “The judiciary is a pillar of our democracy. I trust that under your leadership, it will continue to dispense justice fairly and contribute to the stability and development of our nation,” the President stated.
Dr. Flavian Zeija, who previously served as a Justice of the Supreme Court, brings decades of legal experience to the role. He is widely regarded as a scholarly jurist with a deep understanding of Uganda’s legal framework.
The legal community and civil society groups have expressed cautious optimism, noting that the new Chief Justice’s promised reforms address long-standing challenges within the judiciary, including case delays, alleged corruption, and resource constraints.
All eyes will now be on the new Chief Justice as he begins the arduous task of translating his vows into tangible action for Uganda’s judicial system.
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