Chief Justice Retires: Judiciary Staff Honour Owiny-Dollo with Farewell Luncheon

Staff attached to the Chambers of the Chief Justice on Wednesday hosted a special farewell luncheon in honour of retired Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo at the Supreme Court Building in Kampala.

The event was attended by senior Judiciary officials, including Assistant Commissioner Accounts Stephen Emitu Naigo, Acting Chief Registrar HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Judiciary Dr Pius Bigirimana, Lady Justice Susan Abinyo, Justice Andrew Khaukha, who is also Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, among others.

Justice Owiny-Dollo stepped down at midnight on January 18, 2026, in line with Article 144(1)(a) of the Constitution, which requires the retirement of the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal at that age.

The following day, January 19, he formally handed over office to Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court in Kampala. Owiny-Dollo presented the instruments of office, including the Constitution, Laws of Uganda and a handover report, marking the end of his tenure.

In his remarks, Chief Justice Emeritus Owiny-Dollo expressed surprise at the gesture, noting that he had expected to host the staff at his home instead. He thanked the team for the luncheon and reflected on humility as a guiding principle in both his personal life and leadership.

“Those who come to my home eat the same food I eat,” he said, emphasising equality and togetherness. He added that although he may be assigned elsewhere, the staff would always remain part of his family.

Justice Owiny-Dollo encouraged the team to embrace both positive and difficult experiences as lessons in life, urging them to remain honest, dedicated and patient in their work. He cautioned against begrudging others who are promoted, noting that “God rewards everyone in His own time.”

He thanked God for the team, praised their character and said he had greatly enjoyed working with them, before wishing them continued guidance and blessings.

Speaking on behalf of the staff, HW Peter Fred Lochomin, the Personal Assistant to the Chief Justice, thanked Owiny-Dollo for his leadership and mentorship. He said the team had worked closely together and described the luncheon as an opportunity to share a meal as a family.

Recalling the Chief Justice’s earlier reflection that “there is always an entry and an exit,” Lochomin said the staff were grateful to God for a long journey marked by many blessings. He noted that the team had learned invaluable lessons, including patience, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under Owiny-Dollo’s leadership.

The Head of Security to the Chief Justice, Inspector of Police Moses Okwi, also thanked the retired Chief Justice for his endurance and leadership, highlighting trust as a defining value during their years of service together. He commended Owiny-Dollo’s humility and the strong bond built within the team.

Moderating the luncheon, Principal Personal Secretary Ms Betty Latigi thanked the Chief Justice Emeritus for the opportunity to work with him, as well as for his tolerance and understanding. She noted that despite individual shortcomings, the team worked together to achieve shared goals, adding that serving the Chief Justice for five years required dedication and commitment.

The luncheon concluded with the cutting of a cake and moments of merrymaking as staff bid farewell to the retired Chief Justice.