President Museveni Appoints Flavian Zeija as Deputy Chief Justice Amid Judiciary Expansion
In a significant reshuffle aimed at strengthening Uganda’s judiciary, President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Justice Flavian Zeija as the Deputy Chief Justice. His appointment comes ahead of the impending retirement of Justice Richard Buteera from the Supreme Court in May.
Justice Zeija, who previously served as the Principal Judge of the High Court, steps into a role that will see him oversee a major portion of the country’s judicial functions. However, his previous position remains unfilled by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). His appointment comes at a time when Uganda’s judiciary is undergoing an expansion to accommodate the rising number of cases requiring adjudication.
Additionally, President Museveni appointed Justice Muzamil Mutangula Kibeedi to the Supreme Court, filling the vacancy left by Justice Esther Kisaakye, who went into exile last year. Justice Kibeedi’s inclusion strengthens the bench, which continues to handle some of Uganda’s most complex legal cases.
Key Appointments to the Court of Appeal
In a move to reinforce the appellate system, the President also appointed eight justices to the Court of Appeal. Among the notable names is High Court Judge Musa Ssekaana, widely regarded for his expertise in administrative and constitutional matters.
The newly appointed justices to the Court of Appeal include:
- Lady Justice Ketra Kitariisibwa Katunguka
- Lady Justice Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza
- Lady Justice Stella Alibateese
- Lady Justice Florence Nakacwa
- Lady Justice Esta Nambayo
- Justice Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema
- Justice John Mike Musisi
“These new appointments will bolster the appellate system, ensuring that appeals are handled with the expertise and efficiency that the country’s legal system demands,” said Maria Theresa Nabulya, the acting senior communications officer at the JSC.
New High Court Judges Appointed
To further support judicial processes, President Museveni appointed 21 acting Judges to the High Court on a two-year tenure. Among them is Sarah Langa Siu, the former Registrar of the Judiciary.
A notable aspect of the appointments is the increasing presence of female judges across different levels of the judiciary. The Supreme Court recently featured four female justices on a key ruling, and the trend continues with five of the new Court of Appeal justices being women. Similarly, the High Court list includes:
- Lady Justice Rosemary Bareebe Ngabirano
- Lady Justice Mary Babirye
- Lady Justice Deepa Verma
- Lady Justice Lillian Alum Omara
- Lady Justice Ida Nakiganda
- Lady Justice Mary Kaitesi Kisakye
- Lady Justice Susan Odongo
- Lady Justice Joanita Gertrude Bushara
- Lady Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibbala
- Lady Justice Flavia Grace Lamuno
- Lady Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika
Also of note is the reappointment of Lady Justice Faridah Shamilah Bukirwa, whose tenure as an acting High Court Judge in Jinja was previously marred by disciplinary issues. The JSC confirmed that her reappointment for a year follows the conclusion of her disciplinary proceedings.
Strengthening the Rule of Law
The latest judicial appointments reflect Uganda’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its legal system. By adding new justices across the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court, the government aims to enhance the efficiency of legal proceedings, improve access to justice, and uphold the rule of law in the country.
With these appointments, Uganda’s judiciary is poised to tackle the increasing workload and ensure timely justice for all citizens.