The Parliamentary Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Anita Annet Among, is currently vetting Justice Flavian Zeija, President Yoweri Museveni’s nominee for appointment as the new Chief Justice of Uganda.
Speaker Among confirmed the committee’s proceedings on Thursday, saying the process is being conducted in line with parliamentary rules and procedures. She noted that once the vetting is concluded, the committee’s report will be submitted to the appointing authority for final consideration.
“The committee’s report will be forwarded to the appointing authority in accordance with our rules of procedure,” Speaker Among said.
Justice Zeija’s nomination follows the retirement of former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who officially retired on January 18, 2026, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70, as stipulated under Article 144(1)(a) of the Constitution. Owiny-Dollo handed over office to his deputy the following day, January 19.
The vetting process involves a detailed review of Justice Zeija’s qualifications, experience, and suitability for the office. Legal practitioners and members of the public are closely watching the proceedings, with any objections to the nomination expected to attract significant attention.
If approved, Justice Zeija will assume one of the country’s most powerful judicial offices, overseeing Uganda’s legal system and playing a central role in safeguarding judicial independence.
Justice Zeija was appointed Deputy Chief Justice in April 2025, succeeding Justice Richard Buteera. His experience is expected to be critical as Uganda’s judiciary prepares for potential post-election litigation following the January 15, 2026 general elections.
Under Ugandan law, presidential election petitions fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, where the Chief Justice plays a central role. President Museveni was declared winner of the presidential election with 71.65 per cent of the vote, and legal challenges to the outcome are anticipated.
