Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has proposed a national dialogue to reconsider the retirement age for judicial officers, stressing the importance of retaining experienced judges within the judiciary.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija at State House Entebbe, Owiny-Dollo argued that the current retirement age of 70 for appellate justices—and 65 for High Court judges—results in the loss of critical expertise.
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“I was 65 four years ago. If I had retired then, it would have been a waste. Experience is everything in the judiciary,” he said.
Owiny-Dollo, who began as a High Court judge in 2008 and later rose through the Court of Appeal to become Chief Justice in 2020, is set to retire on January 18, 2026, upon turning 70.
President Yoweri Museveni, who officiated the ceremony, praised the outgoing Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera for his decades of service and welcomed Zeija’s commitment to judicial reforms, especially around inheritance and land matters. He criticized the existing system that routes such disputes through the Office of the Administrator General, calling it outdated and disconnected from community norms.
Zeija echoed the need for reforms, advocating for a justice system that aligns more closely with the everyday realities of Ugandans.
“Justice must mirror our people’s lived experiences. As Deputy Chief Justice, I’ll prioritize reforms to make the system more accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant,” Zeija said.
Museveni called for a revival of traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, such as clan-led mediation, arguing that these systems once ensured fairness and community cohesion. He cited a land dispute in Kiboga where he intervened after a lawful court ruling was reportedly disregarded in favor of an illegal eviction.
“Only courts and the Ministry of Lands have the authority to enforce evictions,” Museveni stressed, urging the judiciary to investigate the magistrate involved in the Kiboga case. “Not even the President can lawfully evict someone without due process.”
He also condemned individuals who bypass proper legal procedures and undermine the justice system, calling such behavior unjust and elitist.
Owiny-Dollo lauded Dr Zeija as a results-driven and principled leader during his time as principal judge. He also highlighted recent judicial progress, including the expansion of High Court circuits in underserved regions like Wakiso, Entebbe, Lugazi, and Patongo.
Looking ahead, he announced plans to open new circuits in Ntungamo, Ibanda, Moyo, and Rakai, subject to judicial appointments.
Despite these strides, Owiny-Dollo pointed out the need for improvements in physical infrastructure, ICT, transportation, and general institutional support.
He concluded by announcing that Uganda will host the Chief Justices’ Forum in May, with the theme focusing on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
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