President Museveni Appoints Zeija Flavian as Deputy Chief Justice

In a landmark decision aimed at strengthening Uganda’s judicial system, H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Hon. Justice Flavian Zeija as the Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ). His appointment, made under Article 142 (1) and (2) of the Constitution, follows the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and signals a new chapter for the Judiciary.

Justice Zeija, who has been serving as the Principal Judge, will now take on a more prominent role in overseeing the Court of Appeal and assisting the Chief Justice in the administration of justice across the country. His appointment is part of a broader restructuring of the Judiciary, which also includes the appointment of a Supreme Court Justice, eight Justices of the Court of Appeal, and 21 acting High Court Judges.

Who is Hon. Justice Zeija Flavian? 

Justice Zeija Flavian is a seasoned judicial officer with extensive experience in Uganda’s legal system.

As Principal Judge, he played a critical role in the administration of the High Court, managing judicial officers and spearheading reforms to improve case management and reduce backlogs. His elevation to Deputy Chief Justice is expected to enhance the efficiency of Uganda’s appellate court system.

As Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Zeija will preside over the Court of Appeal and deputize for the Chief Justice in judicial administration.

He will also be responsible for ensuring faster resolution of appeals and supporting reforms aimed at modernizing Uganda’s Judiciary.

Other Key Judicial Appointments

The President also appointed Justice Muzamil Mutangula Kibeedi as a Justice of the Supreme Court, further strengthening Uganda’s highest court, which handles constitutional and final appellate cases.

Eight Justices Appointed to the Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal, which also doubles as the Constitutional Court, has been reinforced with the appointment of eight new Justices to boost its capacity.

They include:

Hon. Lady Justice Ketra Kitariisibwa Katunguka

Hon. Lady Justice Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza

Stella Alibateese

Hon. Lady Justice Florence Nakacwa

Hon. Byaruhanga Jesse Rugyema

Musisi John Mike

Hon. Justice Ssekaana Musa

Hon. Lady Justice Nambayo Esta

These appointments will help the Court of Appeal expedite pending cases and ensure faster adjudication of constitutional matters.

21 Acting Judges Appointed to the High Court

To enhance judicial capacity at the High Court, the President has appointed 21 Acting Judges for a period of two years. The appointees include:

HW. Sarah Langa Siu 

HW. Rosemary Bareebe Ngabirano

HW. Mary Babirye

Lillian Alum Omara

Charles Kasibayo

HW. Mary Kaitesi Kisakye

Susan Odongo

Karooli Lwanga Ssemogerere

Joanita Gertrude Bushara

Simon Peter Kinobe Mutegeki

Vincent Opyene

Sarah Birungi Kalibbala

Isaac Teko Bony

Deepa Verma

Flavia Grace Lamuno

Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika

Kwemara Kafuuzi Gelase

Godfrey Himbaza

Andrew Khaukha

Dr. Ginamia Melody Ngwatu

Ida Nakiganda

These appointments aim to reduce case backlogs and improve the efficiency of justice delivery at the High Court level.

Reappointment of Hon. Lady Justice Bukirwa Faridah Shamilah

Following the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against her, Hon. Lady Justice Bukirwa Faridah Shamilah has been reappointed as an Acting High Court Judge for one year.

Implications of These Appointments 

Strengthening Uganda’s Judiciary

These appointments reflect the Judicial Service Commission’s theme of being the "People’s Bridge to Justice." By appointing more judges, the government aims to reduce delays in judicial processes and improve access to justice. 

Expanding the Judiciary’s Capacity

The appointments align with the expanded structure of the Judiciary, ensuring that courts at all levels have the manpower needed to handle cases efficiently. 

Transition from the 6th Judicial Service Commission

These appointments were among the last major activities conducted by the 6th Judicial Service Commission, led by Hon. Justice Benjamin I. Kabiito, whose term ended on 21st January 2025.

The appointment of Justice Flavian Zeija as Deputy Chief Justice, along with new appointments across various courts, is a significant step toward strengthening Uganda’s Judiciary. These strategic decisions will help expedite justice, reduce case backlogs, and ensure a more efficient judicial system.

Zeija the new Deputy Chief Justice will assume office immediately after the retirement of Richard Buteera who has been holding the second highest office in the institution(Judiciary) since 2020.

Buteera is expected to clock the mandatory retirement age of 70 years for Court of Appeal Justices / Constitutional Court in April 2025. He has been in the Judicial Service since 1982 when he started as a State Attorney to rise through the ranks up to where he is now.