The newly appointed Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ), Dr. Flavian Zeija, on Friday evening hosted members of the Judiciary's Top Management for a thanksgiving dinner at his residence in Kasangati.
The event, which brought together Judiciary’s leadership, support staff from Dr. Zeija's chambers, family, and friends, was held to celebrate his new appointment.
Celebrating Success Together
Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, who graced the occasion as chief guest, underscored the importance of celebrating milestones as a collective-a hallmark of African tradition.
"In Africa, success is collegially owned. Similarly, failure. We own success and failure together, "Justice Owiny - Dollo remarked, contrasting the communal approach with cultures where achievements are celebrated in solitude.
He hailed Dr. Zeija's dedication and described him as a visionary leader who has contributed significantly to the Judiciary's current strategic plan.
"For me, as someone who's leaving the Judiciary in eight months' time, I am happy that one of our key players is remaining in a strategic position to carry forward our vision," the Chief Justice said, noting that continuity in leadership will bolster justice administration.
Justice Owiny-Dollo also highlighted Uganda’s strides in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR),saying the Judiciary has become a regional benchmark for the mechanism.
Calls for Judicial Reform
Addressing retirement in the Judiciary, Justice Owiny - Dollo advocated for a national discussion on increasing the retirement age for judicial officers, citing the value of experience in dispute resolution.
"Judicial work is the work of the elders. Elders are the best-they can stand your anger and impatience because they’ve seen it all," he noted.
While reaffirming his intent to retire at 70, he urged stakeholders to consider ways of retaining experienced judges in the system beyond administrative roles.
DCJ Zeija's Appreciation
In his remarks, Justice Dr. Zeija expressed gratitude to the Judiciary's Top Management team for their unwavering support, describing them as a "strong unit" that has helped drive key reforms.
He acknowledged his close working relationship with the Chief Justice and reflected on moments of collaboration with DCJ Emeritus Justice Richard Buteera, whose calm leadership helped maintain unity in management.
Dr. Zeija also emphasized the importance of ADR and recognized the role of retired justices in strengthening judicial reforms.
Reflections from Judiciary Leaders
Justice Richard Buteera lauded Justice Dr. Zeija's accomplishments, recalling their efforts to tackle a decade-long case backlog during his tenure as Resident Judge at Mbarara High Court.
"You are now coming toa court where teamwork is essential. Fortunately, you are joining a very good team-just carry it forward," Justice Buteera advised, reflecting on shifts between High Court and Court of Appeal operations.
Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, echoed these sentiments, praising Dr. Zeija's fast-paced, innovative leadership and reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding Judiciary resources.
"Innovation and creativity are essential for any institution to succeed, and in Dr. Zeija, the Judiciary has a DCJ who embodies these qualities," Dr. Bigirimana noted.
He also commended the Judiciary's leadership team for its progress and called on the Judicial Service Commission to recruit judges committed to timely justice delivery.
In attendance; Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga (Acting Principal Judge), Justice Douglas Singiza Karekona (Chairperson, Judicial Service Commission), Lady Justice Rosette Comfort Kania (Deputy Chairperson, Judicial Service Commission) and Hon. Ronald Kibuule (former Minister of State for Water Resources).
HW Lamunu Pamela Ocaya(Acting Chief Registrar), Registrars of the Court of Appeal led by HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, Ms. Apophia Tumwine (Commissioner, Human Resource), were also present.
The event was moderated by HW James Ereemye Jumire Mawanda, the Judiciary's Public Relations Officer.
Posted 25th, April 2025
