President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Justice Flavian Zeija as Uganda’s new Deputy Chief Justice. This announcement marks a significant reshuffle in the country’s judicial system.
Justice Flavian Zeija Replaces Retiring Justice Richard Buteera
Justice Zeija, who previously served as the Principal Judge, will now take over from Justice Richard Buteera. Justice Buteera is set to retire in April this year upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Other Judicial Appointments Announced
According to a press statement released on Thursday night by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC)—the government body responsible for recruiting and disciplining judicial officers—President Museveni has made several other key judicial appointments. These include:
- One Justice of the Supreme Court
- Eight Justices of the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court
- Twenty-one High Court Judges (in acting capacity for two years)
The appointments aim to strengthen Uganda’s judiciary by filling existing gaps in the system.
Reappointment of Justice Bukirwa Faridah
The JSC also confirmed the reappointment of Justice Bukirwa Faridah as a High Court judge in an acting capacity.
This comes after the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against her, which cleared her of any wrongdoing.
Legal Basis for the Appointments
The President made these appointments under Article 142 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of Uganda, which grants him the authority to appoint judicial officers. The JSC statement highlighted:
“The President, in exercise of his powers under Article 142 (1) and (2) of the Constitution, has appointed the Deputy Chief Justice, one Justice of the Supreme Court, and eight Justices of the Court of Appeal.”
The statement further noted:
“In addition, H.E has also appointed 21 judges of the High Court in acting capacity.”
End of Tenure for the 6th Judicial Service Commission
These appointments were among the final tasks handled by the 6th Judicial Service Commission, which was chaired by Justice Benjamin Kabiito. His term officially ended on January 21, 2024.
Vacancy in the Office of the Principal Judge
With Justice Zeija’s promotion to Deputy Chief Justice, the position of Principal Judge remains vacant. This role is crucial as the Principal Judge is the administrative head of the High Court. The government is expected to appoint a new Principal Judge soon.
List of Newly Appointed Judges
Supreme Court Appointment
- Justice Muzamil Mutangula Kibeedi
Court of Appeal Justices
- Justice Ketra Kitariisibwa Katunguka
- Justice Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza
- Justice Stella Alibateese
- Justice Florence Nakacwa
- Justice Byaruhanga Jese Rugyema
- Justice John Mike Musis
- Justice Musa Ssekaana
- Justice Esta Nambayo
High Court Judges (Appointed in Acting Capacity for Two Years)
- Justice Sarah Langa Siu
- Justice Rosemary Bareebe Ngabirano
- Justice Mary Babirye
- Justice Lillian Alum Omara
- Justice Charles Kasibayo
- Justice Mary Kaitesi Kisakye
- Justice Susan Odong
- Justice Karooli Lwanga Ssemwogerere
- Justice Joanita Gertrude Bushera
- Justice Simon Peter Kinobe
- Justice Vincent Opyene
- Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibaala
- Justice Isaac Teko Bony
- Justice Deepa Verma
- Justice Flavia Grace Lamuno
- Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika
- Justice Kwemara Kafuuzi Gelase
- Justice Godfrey Himbaza
- Justice Andrew Khaukha
- Justice Dr. Ginamia Melody Ngwatu
- Justice Ida Nakiganda
Reappointment in Acting Capacity for One Year
- Justice Faridah Bukirwa
President Museveni’s latest judicial appointments reflect his commitment to maintaining a well-functioning judiciary in Uganda.
With Justice Flavian Zeija assuming the role of Deputy Chief Justice and several other appointments across different levels of the judiciary, the government is working towards strengthening the legal system.
The next crucial step will be appointing a new Principal Judge to fill the vacancy left by Justice Zeija’s promotion.
