President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Justice Flavian Zeija as the new Deputy Chief Justice, ahead of Justice Richard Buteera’s impending retirement from the Supreme Court in May.
Justice Flavian Zeija, who has served as the Principal Judge of the High Court, steps into this crucial role at a time when the Judiciary is expanding to manage an increasing caseload.
Flavian Zeija appointment comes as the country seeks to strengthen its judicial system.
Additionally, President Museveni has filled the vacancy left by the exile of Justice Esther Kisaakye last year, appointing Justice Muzamil Mutangula Kibeedi to the Supreme Court bench. Justice Kibeedi’s appointment strengthens the court as it continues to handle high-profile and complex cases.
The President confirmed these appointments on February 6, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to bolster the country’s judiciary.
In the same announcement, the President appointed eight new justices to the Court of Appeal, with High Court judge Musa Ssekaana being the most notable among them. The other new justices include Lady Justices Ketra Kitariisibwa Katunguka, Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza, Stella Alibateese, Florence Nakacwa, Esta Nambayo, along with Justices Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema and John Mike Musisi.
Ms. Maria Theresa Nabulya, acting senior communications officer at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), commented, “These new appointments will strengthen the appellate system, ensuring that appeals are dealt with efficiently and expertly.”
Moreover, the President appointed 21 acting judges to the High Court, each serving a two-year term. Among them is Sarah Langa Siu, the former Registrar of the Judiciary, who was appointed to the High Court bench.
The new appointments continue a trend of gender diversity, with five of the newly appointed justices to the Court of Appeal being women. At the High Court, Lady Justices Langa, Rosemary Bareebe Ngabirano, Mary Babirye, Deepa Verma, Lillian Alum Omara, and Ida Nakiganda will serve, joined by other female justices, including Mary Kaitesi Kisakye, Susan Odongo, Joanita Gertrude Bushara, Sarah Birungi Kalibbala, Flavia Grace Lamuno, and Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika.
The President also reappointed Lady Justice Faridah Shamilah Bukirwa to the High Court for a one-year term, following the completion of her disciplinary proceedings after her tenure as an acting judge in Jinja.
These appointments are expected to enhance the Judiciary’s effectiveness, improve the administration of justice, and uphold the rule of law in Uganda.
