Parliament’s Appointments Committee has completed the vetting of Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, who has been nominated by President Yoweri Museveni to serve as Uganda’s next Chief Justice.
The session took place on Thursday morning under the leadership of Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, a member of the committee, confirmed the proceedings shortly after the meeting.
“This morning, I joined Parliament’s Appointments Committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Anita Among, to vet Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, who has been recommended by His Excellency the President to serve as the next Chief Justice,” Tayebwa said.
He emphasised that the committee’s role is advisory, with its recommendations to be submitted to the President for a final decision.
“The Appointments Committee will forward its recommendations to the President, who will make the final appointment,” Tayebwa added, congratulating Zeija. “Congratulations to Justice Zeija for being recognised by the appointing authority.”
Speaker Anita Among noted that the vetting was conducted in line with parliamentary procedures and constitutional mandate. “Earlier today, we convened the Appointments Committee to vet the Honourable Justice Flavian Zeija, appointed by the President to serve as Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda,” she said.
Among added that the committee will now submit its report to the President as part of the formal appointment process.
Justice Zeija, a senior judicial officer with extensive experience, is now awaiting the President’s final approval before officially assuming the position of Chief Justice.
A Career of Legal and Judicial Leadership
Dr Zeija, born in 1969, has a career spanning more than two decades across private practice, academia, and the judiciary. He holds a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam and has lectured at multiple Ugandan universities. Prior to his judicial appointments, he was managing partner at a Kampala law firm.
Appointed to the bench in 2016, Zeija later served as Principal Judge of the High Court from 2019, overseeing High Court operations and magistrates’ courts nationwide. His tenure was marked by administrative reforms aimed at reducing case backlogs and improving the deployment of judges to busy regions — an experience that informed his suitability for the country’s top judicial office.
From Deputy to Chief Justice
Zeija served as Deputy Chief Justice beginning in April 2025 after parliamentary approval, following his vetting as part of a wider judicial shake-up. In January 2026, he was elevated to Chief Justice, inheriting leadership of the Supreme Court and the judiciary at a time of heightened scrutiny, particularly after the 2026 presidential elections and ongoing legal disputes over the results.
Observers note that Zeija’s appointment signals continuity within Uganda’s judicial system. During the ceremonial handover, Owiny-Dollo emphasised the importance of fairness, efficiency, and public confidence — principles that guided Zeija’s vetting and are expected to shape his tenure.
Looking Ahead
As Chief Justice, Dr Zeija faces the dual challenges of managing political pressures and advancing judicial reforms. His leadership will be closely watched by legal practitioners, civil society, and the wider public, with his tenure likely setting a benchmark for judicial independence and efficiency in Uganda for years to come.
