Written By | BK Mugizi
Dollo hands over to Zeija
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Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo on Wednesday formally handed over office to the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, marking the end of his five-year tenure at the helm of the Judiciary.
The handover ceremony, witnessed by judicial and non-judicial officers, saw Justice Owiny-Dollo present Justice Zeija with copies of the Constitution, the Laws of Uganda, the Administration of the Judiciary Act, and a comprehensive handover report to guide him.
In his farewell remarks, Justice Owiny-Dollo expressed profound appreciation to the Judiciary’s top management and the wider Judiciary family for the support accorded to him throughout his tenure.
He said the Judiciary would always remain his second family and affirmed that he would forever consider himself a permanent member of the institution.
“The Judiciary will always remain my second family, and I shall forever consider myself a permanent member of this institution,” Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo said.
He further underscored the importance of concluding all pending matters before him, even as he retires from active judicial service.
The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, paid glowing tribute to Justice Owiny-Dollo’s participatory and transformational leadership, particularly at the beginning of his term, when he spearheaded far-reaching reforms within the Judiciary.
In his farewell remarks, Justice Owiny-Dollo expressed profound appreciation to the Judiciary’s top management and the wider Judiciary family for the support accorded to him throughout his tenure
Justice Zeija 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 (ADR) mechanisms.
He also recalled Justice Owiny-Dollo’s earlier role in initiating peace negotiations between the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels and the Government of Uganda, describing him as a leader who consistently empowered those around him and created 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, praising his patient, consultative, and wise leadership.
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 Uganda’s justice sector.
Lady Justice Abodo further noted that under Justice Owiny-Dollo’s leadership, plea bargaining reshaped criminal procedure by reducing delays, easing the burden on courts, prosecutors, witnesses, and victims, and promoting restorative justice outcomes.
“These reforms greatly strengthened the mandate of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and significantly accelerated case disposal across the justice sector,” she said.
On a personal note, she expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and guidance she received upon her appointment as Principal Judge, saying his openness and encouragement made her transition seamless.
The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, thanked Justice Owiny-Dollo for his steadfast support of the institution’s 15-point programme, particularly in advancing financial discipline and accountability.
He also commended him for his unwavering commitment during the Judiciary’s successful budget enhancement efforts.
The Acting Chief Registrar, Her Worship Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, described the ceremony as a moment of transition, reflection, and gratitude. She said Justice Owiny-Dollo rendered distinguished and selfless service to the nation, leading with integrity, courage, and unwavering fidelity to justice.
She noted that his stewardship strengthened judicial systems, enhanced professionalism, and reaffirmed the Judiciary’s constitutional mandate to dispense justice fairly, independently, and without fear or favour, particularly for vulnerable and ordinary Ugandans.
Torch Media Africa
