Kenya’s Chief Justice lauds Zeija’s appointment

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Kenya’s Chief Justice, Martha Koome, has welcomed the appointment of Justice Flavian Zeija as the new Chief Justice of Uganda.

Zeija, 56, was appointed last week by President Yoweri Museveni to replace Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who retired on January 18, 2026, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Uganda's Chief Justice, Flavian Zeija. (File)

In a letter dated January 26, 2026, Koome said Zeija’s appointment was a fitting recognition of a distinguished judicial career marked by intellectual rigour, principled leadership and an unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law and the fair administration of justice.

“I am confident that under your stewardship, the Judiciary of Uganda will continue to strengthen judicial independence, institutional integrity and public confidence in the justice system,” Koome noted.

Koome observed that Kenya and Uganda share a long-standing history of close judicial cooperation anchored in mutual respect, shared constitutional values and a common commitment to people-centred justice.

“We look forward to deepening this collaboration with the Judiciary of Uganda, building on the strong foundation of shared learning and regional solidarity,” she stated.

Over the years, the judiciaries of Kenya and Uganda have benefited from sustained engagement through judicial dialogues, peer learning, capacity-building initiatives and exchanges of best practices.

Koome said these collaborative efforts have enriched both judiciaries, strengthened judicial administration and enhanced their collective ability to respond to the justice needs of the people.

“We are particularly keen to continue working closely under the auspices of the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices’ Forum (SEACJF) as we collectively advance judicial independence, innovation, access to justice and excellence across our region,” Koome said.

The University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania has also congratulated Zeija upon his appointment. Zeija holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in law from the university.

He began his legal career in 1998 as a legal assistant at Kwesigabo, Bamwine, Walubiri and Company Advocates, a Kampala-based law firm. Between 2002 and 2003, he worked at Tropical Africa Bank as manager for legal affairs and recovery.

By the time of his appointment to the High Court in 2016, Zeija was a managing partner at Kwesigabo, Bamwine, Walubiri and Company Advocates.

Beyond legal practice, he has also made significant contributions to legal education. He has taught law at Uganda Christian University, Makerere University and Makerere University Business School, where he is the founding head of the Department of Business Law.

Who is Zeija

Justice Zeija was born on February 18, 1969, in Kabale District. He attended St Mary’s College Rushoroza for his secondary education, where he served as head prefect.

In 1993, he joined Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1996. A year later, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre.

In 1999, he returned to Makerere University, graduating with a Master of Laws degree in 2002.

In 2013, he was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree in law from the University of Dar es Salaam.

Zeija also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Uganda Martyrs University, obtained in 2018.