Highlights Of Special Supreme Court Sitting in Honour of Chief Justice Emeritus Owiny � Dollo
The Supreme Court this morning held a special sitting to consider an application for a formal celebratory sitting in honour of Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, as he retires from the Judiciary.
The sitting was presided over by the Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, Lady Justice Prof Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, Lady Justice Percy Night Tuhaise, Lady Justice Elizabeth Musoke, Justice Christopher Madrama, Justice Stephen Musota, Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, and Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi Mutangula.
The Court heard Civil Application No. 001 of 2026, which sought leave for judicial officers, Judiciary staff, the Bar, family, and friends to formally celebrate the service of the Chief Justice Emeritus, with all proceedings to be recorded as part of the Court’s official record.
The application was grounded under provisions of the Administration of the Judiciary Act and related judicial service regulations, and was supported by affidavits sworn by the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, and Chief Magistrate HW Lochomin Peter Fred.
Court records highlighted Justice Owiny - Dollo's academic and professional journey, noting that he holds advanced academic qualifications in dispute and conflict resolution, alongside legal training from Makerere University, the Law Development Centre and international institutions.
His judicial career was traced from his appointment as a High Court Judge in 2008,where he served in various capacities, including Resident Judge in Fort Portal, Head of the Execution and Bailiffs Division, and Judge of the International Crimes Division. He was later elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2015,appointed Deputy Chief Justice in 2017, and became Chief Justice in 2020.
Under what the Court heard as the Judiciary Transformation Agenda, Justice Owiny -Dollo was credited with guiding major reforms in the Judiciary, including increased budget allocation, expansion of court infrastructure, establishment of new courts and circuits, recruitment of judicial officers, improved staff welfare, and expansion of ICT systems in judicial operations.
He also oversaw the construction of permanent homes for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, upgrades of High Court buildings, and renovation of several court facilities across the country.
The Court further heard that Justice Owiny - Dollo championed Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), positioning them as key pillars for faster and more accessible justice delivery. He was credited with launching Uganda's Alternative Justice Systems Strategy in 2023, chairing the African Chief Justices' Forum on ADR, and hosting the inaugural African Continental Commercial Courts Summit in 2025.
Before joining the Judiciary, Justice Owiny - Dollo served as a legislator and government minister, including as a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted Uganda's 1995 Constitution. He also held ministerial portfolios in Northern Uganda reconstruction and foreign affairs.
He further served on several public boards and commissions, including the Uganda Land Commission and Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation, and maintained an active legal practice, including participation in peace negotiations and high-profile litigation.
His judicial record included presiding over major matters such as terrorism trials in the High Court, the landmark Togikwatako constitutional petition, presidential election petitions, and rulings on military court jurisdiction. The Court also noted his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the Judiciary maintained essential services through innovation and institutional resilience.
In a ruling delivered by Lady Justice Prof. Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, the Court held that the application was properly brought and supported by law, citing provisions of the Administration of the Judiciary Act and prior precedent, including a similar special sitting granted in honour of retired Justice Richard Buteera.
The Court found that Justice Owiny - Dollo's tenure was marked by "exceptional institutional transformation" and granted leave for a special sitting to allow members of the Bench, the Bar, staff, and the public to celebrate his service. It further directed that all expressions of gratitude made during the sitting would form part of the permanent record of the Supreme Court of Uganda.
Appearing for the applicant, Solicitor General Mr Pius Perry Biribonwoha told Court that the request was both institutional and constitutional in nature. He said Justice Owiny - Dollo's legacy is embedded in reforms that redefined access to justice, strengthened institutions, and improved judicial efficiency.
The Court consequently granted the application, allowing a formal special sitting to proceed in recognition of the Chief Justice Emeritus' contribution to the Judiciary and the Republic of Uganda.
During the sitting, Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija paid glowing tribute to Justice Owiny -Dollo, describing him as a transformational leader who did not merely occupy office, but reshaped the Judiciary.
Drawing from his experience serving under him as Principal Judge and later Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Zeija noted that Justice Owiny - Dollo inherited an institution facing infrastructure gaps, case backlog, and limited resources, but responded with a bold Judiciary Transformation Agenda that redefined the institution.
He highlighted key achievements under his leadership, including increased budgetary allocation, expansion of court infrastructure, operationalisation of new courts, strengthening of judicial staffing, and rollout of ICT systems across the Judiciary.
The Chief Justice further emphasized his role in expanding access to justice through the creation of new court circuits, recruitment of more judicial officers, and improvement of staff welfare.
Beyond institutional reforms, he commended Justice Owiny - Dollo for championing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS),noting that these innovations enhanced efficiency, reduced backlog, and brought justice closer to the people.
He described him as a mentor and a consultative leader who promoted teamwork, integrity, and judicial independence, adding that the Judiciary he leaves behind is stronger, more efficient, and better positioned to serve the public.
In a statement read by Justice David Matovu on behalf of the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, she described Justice Owiny-Dollo’s tenure as steady, visionary, and reform-driven.
Speaking on behalf of the Supreme Court, Lady Justice Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza described him as a deeply consultative leader who valued teamwork and institutional memory.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr Norbert Mao, also paid tribute, while Solicitor General Mr Biribonwoha described his legacy as one defined by institutional transformation and national service.
The Judiciary noted that Justice Owiny - Dollo's tenure, spanning 17 years in the Judiciary and five years as Chief Justice, leaves a lasting institutional footprint defined by reform, expansion, and strengthened access to justice.
The session was moderated by the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya.
Posted 17th, April 2026
