Justice Flavian Zeija Takes Charge as Chief Justice, Capping a Distinguished Legal Career

Uganda’s judiciary has entered a defining new chapter following the appointment of Justice Flavian Zeija as the country’s new Chief Justice, capping a long, steady, and distinguished rise through the legal and judicial ranks.

Justice Zeija was appointed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to lead the third arm of government, succeeding Justice Aloysius R. A. Owiny-Dollo, who retired after completing his term and attaining the mandatory retirement age. On Thursday, Parliament vetted and approved Zeija’s appointment, formally clearing the way for him to assume office.

At 58, Justice Zeija brings to the office a rare blend of judicial experience, academic depth, administrative leadership, and private sector exposure—qualities that place him among the most broadly grounded jurists to ever head Uganda’s judiciary.

From Deputy Chief Justice to the Apex Office

Prior to his elevation, Justice Zeija had served as Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court since 7 February 2025. Before that, he was Principal Judge of Uganda, a powerful and demanding role he assumed on 25 December 2019.

As Principal Judge, Zeija supervised High Court judges, assigned judicial duties, and oversaw the administration of Magistrates Courts across the country. The office is the third-highest in Uganda’s judicial hierarchy, behind only the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice, and is widely regarded as the engine room of judicial administration.

His tenure as Principal Judge earned him recognition for firm administrative oversight, efforts to reduce case backlogs, and strengthening coordination across court circuits.

A Solid Academic Foundation

Born on 18 February 1969, Justice Zeija’s academic journey reflects both consistency and ambition. He attended St. Mary’s College Rushoroza for his secondary education, where he served as Head Prefect—an early signal of leadership qualities that would later define his career.

He joined Makerere University in 1993, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1996. He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in 1997, qualifying him for legal practice in Uganda. 

His pursuit of advanced legal scholarship continued with a Master of Laws degree from Makerere University in 2002 and culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2013. In addition, he holds a Master of Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University, earned in 2018, and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (UK).

Private Practice, Corporate Law, and Academia 

Before joining the bench, Justice Zeija built a robust legal career in private practice and corporate law. He worked with Kwesigabo, Bamwine, Walubiri & Company Advocates, served as Manager Legal and Recovery at Tropical Africa Bank, and later as Legal Counsel at FINCA Uganda Limited.

At the time of his appointment to the judiciary, he was the Managing Partner at Zeija, Mukasa & Company Advocates, a respected law firm with a strong commercial practice.

Parallel to his legal work, Zeija maintained a strong presence in academia. He lectured at Uganda Christian University, Makerere University, and Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where he was the founding Head of the Department of Business Law. His academic work has contributed to shaping generations of lawyers and business professionals.

Rise on the Bench

Justice Zeija was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Uganda in 2016 and deployed as Resident Judge of the Mbarara High Court Circuit—the largest in the country by geographical coverage and caseload. His leadership in Mbarara was marked by administrative discipline and a hands-on approach to judicial delivery.

Among his most notable judicial contributions is the September 2020 ruling in Kalemera H. Kimera vs Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II, a landmark decision that clarified Uganda’s inheritance law. In the ruling, Justice Zeija held that a grandchild who is not expressly named in a will cannot contest a grandparent’s estate, a judgment that provided important legal clarity on succession and testamentary freedom.

Leadership at a Critical Moment

Justice Flavian Zeija assumes office at a time when Uganda’s judiciary faces heightened public scrutiny, growing case backlogs, demands for faster access to justice, and the need to strengthen institutional trust and independence.

Observers say his background—as a judge, administrator, academic, and corporate lawyer—positions him well to steer judicial reforms, improve efficiency, and deepen professionalism across the courts.

On a personal note, Justice Zeija is a father of five, balancing public service with family life.

As he takes the helm of Uganda’s judiciary, expectations are high that his tenure will consolidate institutional reforms, enhance public confidence in the courts, and reinforce the rule of law. His appointment marks not just a personal milestone, but a pivotal moment for the country’s justice system.