Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, this afternoon formally handed over office to the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, marking the close of a five-year tenure at the helm of the Judiciary.
In a ceremony witnessed by both Judicial and non-judicial officers, the Chief Justice handed over to Justice Zeija a copy of the Constitution, Laws of Uganda, the Administration of the Judiciary Act and a report to guide him.
In his farewell remarks, Justice Owiny - Dollo expressed deep appreciation to members of the Judiciary's Top Management and the wider Judiciary family for the support accorded to him throughout his service. He noted that the Judiciary would always remain his second family, affirming that he would forever consider himself a permanent member of the institution. He further underscored the importance of concluding all pending matters before him, even as he retiresfrom active judicial service.
The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, paid glowing tribute to Justice Owiny - Dollo's participatory and transformational leadership style, particularly at the start of his term when he spearheaded the Judiciary's far-reaching transformation agenda. He commended him for championing a significant increase in the Judiciary's budget, advancing the Africanisation of Uganda's Judiciary through platforms such as the African ADR Forum, and strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.
JusticeZeija also recalled Justice Owiny - Dollo's earlier role in initiating peacenegotiations between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels and the Governmentof Uganda, describing him as a leader who consistently empowered those aroundhim and provided space for effective performance.
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described the outgoing Chief Justice as a mentor, teacher, and source of inspiration, lauding his patient, wise, and consultative leadership style. She highlighted his pioneering role in re-engineering Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), reforms she said have had a profound and lasting impact on the justice sector.
She further noted that under his leadership, Plea Bargaining reshaped criminal procedure in Uganda by reducing delays, easing the burden on courts, prosecutors, witnesses, and victims, and promoting more restorative outcomes.
"Thesereforms greatly strengthened the mandate of the Office of the Director ofPublic Prosecutions and significantly accelerated case disposal across thejustice sector," she observed.
On apersonal note, Lady Justice Abodo expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warmwelcome and guidance she received from Justice Owiny - Dollo upon herappointment as Principal Judge, noting that his openness and encouragement madeher transition seamless.
ThePermanent Secretary and Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana,thanked Justice Owiny - Dollo for his steadfast support of the institution's15-point programme, particularly in advancing financial discipline andaccountability. He also commended him for his unwavering commitment during theJudiciary’s successful budget enhancement efforts.
TheActing Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, described the ceremony as amoment of transition, reflection, and gratitude. She said Justice Owiny - Dollorendered distinguished and selfless service to the nation, leading withintegrity, courage, and unwavering fidelity to justice. She noted that hisstewardship strengthened judicial systems, enhanced professionalism, andreaffirmed the Judiciary's constitutional mandate to dispense justice fairly,independently, and without fear or favour, particularly for vulnerable andordinary Ugandans.
Throughoutthe ceremony, Justice Owiny - Dollo was widely commended for his humility,resilience, and genuine appreciation of Uganda's diverse cultures. Speakersnoted that his recognition of customary practices, community values, andindigenous dispute-resolution mechanisms enriched the development andapplication of Alternative Justice Systems, ensuring that justice is not onlylegally sound but also socially meaningful and culturally legitimate.
Bybridging formal court processes with traditional justice systems, the outgoingChief Justice was credited with promoting reconciliation, restoringrelationships, and strengthening community trust in the administration ofjustice, leaving a lasting imprint on how justice is understood and deliveredin Uganda.
Thehandover ceremony was witnessed by Judicial Officers of various ranks, membersof Senior Management, administrative staff, and representatives of differentmedia houses.
Theceremony was moderated by the Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya,assisted by the Judiciary's Public Relations Officer, HW James Ereemye JumireMawanda.
Posted 19th, January 2026
