Urging judicial reforms, Museveni orders probe into Kiboga land conflict

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President Yoweri Museveni has described a controversial land eviction in Kiboga district as a form of injustice, ordering a thorough investigation into the matter.

He also called for judicial reforms.

The President made the appeal on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the recently appointed Deputy Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, at State House, Entebbe.

He congratulated Zeija upon his appointment and commended his predecessor, Justice Richard Buteera, for his 44 years of service to the Judiciary.

President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the recently appointed Deputy Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, at State House, Entebbe. (PPU)

Museveni welcomed Zeija’s remarks about outdated and irrational legal practices, particularly in matters of inheritance and land disputes.

The recently appointed Deputy Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, during the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday at State House, Entebbe. (PPU)

Zeija vowed to address this.

He was critical of the current practice of directing families involved in disputes — particularly those concerning the estates of deceased persons — to the Office of the Administrator General.

“Justice must reflect the lived realities of our people. As Deputy Chief Justice, I will prioritise reforms that make justice more accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant,” he said.

'Fairness and harmony'

President Museveni agreed with the new Deputy Chief Justice, emphasising the need for a justice system that aligns with societal realities.

“Why should people go through such unnecessary procedures to inherit property? In the past, clans handled such issues when there was no centralised authority," he said.

"Today, if the law allows girls to inherit, provided it’s in a Will or agreed upon by the clan, then we should incorporate that into the law."

Museveni described the current practice of forcing families to go directly to the Administrator General as unfair and disconnected from community traditions.

Instead, he advocated for a revival of traditional dispute resolution systems, such as clan-led mediation.

“In Ankole, for instance, if a girl was unhappy in her marriage, the family would mediate. The man would be summoned, and a tribunal of both families would seek the truth. It wasn’t about taking sides, but about fairness and harmony."

According to the President, the judicial system’s failure to embrace traditional mechanisms was partly due to historical political instability, but he expressed hope that such approaches could now be revived.

“I think we are now winning on that side."

'Who authorised the eviction?'

Turning to the land dispute in Kiboga, Museveni narrated how he was compelled to personally intervene after learning of the eviction of a farmer, Badiru Mwanje, by a man identified as Ainebyona.

“I was in Masindi on my tours when I saw on TV that a boy had evicted a man from a fully developed farm with permanent structures. I went to the scene myself and found armed men occupying the farm," he said.

"The court had ruled to maintain the status quo, but the status quo was established by the invader. How could that be?"

Describing the act as unjust and elitist, the President directed the Acting Principal Judge to investigate the magistrate involved in the case.

“Who authorised the eviction? This is not justice. I appeal to the Judiciary to take this matter seriously."

Museveni reiterated that even the head of state does not have the power to evict someone without due process, stressing that such authority lies only with the courts and the lands ministry.

“Even if someone is in the wrong, I cannot evict them, I should open a case. Only the court can make that decision, and the Police simply enforce it. So how could the invader, without a court order, be granted the status quo?”

He also warned against individuals usurping state power and bypassing legal procedures.

“This kind of lawlessness is dangerous. We must protect our people from injustice, especially when the system appears to side with the wrongdoer."

(PPU)

Swearing-in ceremony of the recently appointed Deputy Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, at State House, Entebbe.(PPU)

'Zeija works with vision'

On his part, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo described Zeija as a visionary and dedicated judicial officer and thanked the President for the “timely and thoughtful appointments” in the Judiciary.

He also lauded Zeija’s tenure as Principal Judge, highlighting his integrity, commitment, and strong work ethic.

“I had the privilege to work with him when he served as Principal Judge. He is a man who takes his assignments seriously and works with vision and determination to achieve results,” said Owiny-Dollo.

“Many may not know, but the real burden of the Judiciary lies with the Principal Judge. I couldn’t have asked for a better colleague. Dr Zeija is dedicated, experienced, and always ready to deliver."

Former Deputy Chief Justice, Buteera, during the swearing-in ceremony at State House Entebbe. (PP)

The Chief Justice praised his former deputy, Buteera, as “a calm and dependable leader” whose resolve and commitment greatly impacted the Judiciary.

“We were fortunate to have an administration guided by participatory leadership, and I am proud of what we achieved together."

'More support to Judiciary needed'

Owiny-Dollo reported significant strides in increasing High Court circuits across Uganda.

“Following the swearing-in of new judges in March, we have expanded the High Court circuits. For example, Wakiso district, with over two million people but no High Court judge, now has operational circuits in Entebbe and Wakiso itself. We have also established courts in Lugazi and three in the Acholi region, including Patongo, which covers Agago and Abim,” he said.

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo making his remarks on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the recently appointed Deputy Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, at State House, Entebbe. (PPU)

He said more circuits are planned in Ntungamo, Ibanda, Moyo, and Rakai, pending the next recruitment of judicial officers.

The Chief Justice commended Museveni’s efforts in strengthening the Judiciary but appealed for further support in key areas.

“Your Excellency, what you have done for the Judiciary is commendable, but there is still a need for enhancement in physical infrastructure, ICT equipment, transport for judicial officers, and overall institutional capacity."

He revealed plans to construct new court buildings in Gulu and Mbarara and to increase the number of Court of Appeal judges.

He also announced that Uganda will host the upcoming Chief Justices' Forum in May, focusing on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

“I am honoured to lead this forum, and I recall Your Excellency committing to personally open it and share your views. We will be delighted to welcome you,” he noted.

Owiny-Dollo reiterated his belief in ADR, saying, “I took it up with passion and led efforts to institutionalise it. Uganda is now being benchmarked on its ADR progress, and that is something to be proud of.”

'Experience is invaluable'

On the issue of retirement age for judicial officers, the Chief Justice called for a national dialogue.

“I was 65 years old four years ago, had I retired then, it would have been a waste. In judicial work, experience is invaluable.”

Meanwhile, in a moving tribute, Zeija dedicated his latest achievement to his late mother, describing her as a resilient woman who single-handedly raised him after the early death of his father.

“I was the only child in the family born at home like Jesus in the kitchen. My mother went into labour after returning from the garden. With no proper transport available, she delivered me by herself,” he recounted.

He said his mother made many sacrifices to see him through school and took great pride in having once shaken hands with President Museveni, a memory she cherished deeply.

President Museveni (c) joined by the recently appointed Deputy Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, and family members after the swearing-in ceremony at State House Entebbe. (PPU)

“I also dedicate this milestone to my wife, whose support has been unwavering."

Zeija also acknowledged that administering justice in Uganda is not without challenges, noting that some laws and processes feel foreign and inaccessible to ordinary citizens.

“As Principal Judge, I introduced several reforms to improve efficiency. However, there is still work to be done, especially in areas like infrastructure. Many upcountry courts, especially around Lake Victoria, lack proper accommodation and logistical support,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of promoting ADR, commending the Chief Justice for championing the approach to reduce case backlog and improve access to justice.