Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo has officially retired after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70, bringing to an end more than four decades of service in Uganda’s legal and judicial system.
Justice Owiny-Dollo stepped down at midnight on January 18, 2026, in line with Article 144(1)(a) of the Constitution, which requires the retirement of the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal at that age.
The following day, January 19, he formally handed over office to Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court in Kampala. Owiny-Dollo presented the instruments of office, including the Constitution, Laws of Uganda and a handover report, marking the end of his tenure.
Born on January 18, 1956, in present-day Agago District, Owiny-Dollo was appointed Chief Justice on August 20, 2020. During his five years at the helm of the Judiciary, he oversaw a number of institutional reforms, including efforts to expand judicial staffing, improve court infrastructure, and enhance access to justice.
Following his retirement, Justice Zeija assumed office as Acting Chief Justice, as provided for under the Constitution. President Yoweri Museveni later appointed Zeija as substantive Chief Justice.
On January 22, Parliament’s Appointments Committee, chaired by Speaker Anita Among, vetted Justice Zeija, with its report forwarded to the President for final decision.
Owiny-Dollo’s retirement marks a significant transition in the Judiciary, closing one chapter of leadership and opening another as the country awaits the confirmation of Justice Zeija as Chief Justice.
