ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni called for judicial reforms and ordered an investigation into a land eviction in Kiboga District, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the new Deputy Chief Justice, Flavian Zeija.
Museveni praised outgoing Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera for his 44 years of service and congratulated Zeija on his appointment, echoing Zeija’s concerns about outdated legal practices, particularly in inheritance and land disputes.
Zeija pledged to address legal procedures that burden citizens, criticizing the current system where families in estate disputes are directed to the Administrator General.
“Justice must reflect the lived realities of our people,” Zeija said.
Museveni advocated for reviving traditional dispute resolution systems, such as clan-led mediation, saying the current system is disconnected from community traditions.
Regarding the Kiboga land dispute, Museveni said he personally intervened after a farmer, Badiru Mwanje, was evicted. He questioned how a court ruling to maintain the “status quo” favored the evictor.
“Who authorized the eviction? This is not justice,” Museveni said, calling for an investigation into the magistrate involved. He emphasized that even the president cannot evict someone without due process.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo praised Buteera and Zeija, highlighting Zeija’s integrity and work ethic. Owiny-Dollo reported progress in expanding High Court circuits and appealed for more support for judicial infrastructure and resources. He also announced Uganda will host the Chief Justices’ Forum in May, focusing on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Owiny-Dollo called for national dialogue on judicial officer retirement age.
Zeija thanked Museveni for his appointment and dedicated the achievement to his late mother. He acknowledged challenges in Uganda’s justice system, particularly regarding infrastructure and logistical support in upcountry courts, and emphasized the importance of ADR.
The ceremony was attended by judicial officers and Pius Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary to the judiciary.
