President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for comprehensive reforms in Uganda’s judicial system and ordered a thorough investigation into a controversial land eviction in Kiboga District, which he described as a gross injustice.
The President made the remarks at State House, Entebbe, during the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Flavian Zeija as Deputy Chief Justice. He commended the outgoing Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, for his 44 years of dedicated service to the judiciary, and congratulated Dr. Zeija on his new appointment.
“I thank Justice Buteera for his many years of service and congratulate Dr. Zeija. I appreciate your concern about some irrational judicial decisions that do not reflect the lived experiences of our people,” said President Museveni.
Dr. Zeija, upon assuming his new role, pledged to tackle outdated and burdensome legal procedures, especially in matters of inheritance and family disputes.
He criticised the current practice of channelling such disputes directly to the Office of the Administrator General, calling for a more culturally grounded and accessible justice system. “Justice must reflect the lived realities of our people. I will prioritise reforms that make justice more inclusive and relevant to our communities,” Dr. Zeija affirmed.
President Museveni echoed this sentiment, advocating for the integration of traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, such as clan-led mediation, into the formal justice system.“Why should families undergo cumbersome procedures just to inherit property? In the past, clans managed such affairs without needing centralised systems. If the law allows girls to inherit through wills or clan consensus, then let’s adapt the law accordingly,” he said.
He cited traditional mediation practices from Ankole as effective models of justice rooted in fairness and harmony, lamenting that political instability over the years had undermined such approaches. “But I believe we are now turning a corner,” he added.
Kiboga Land Dispute Sparks Outcry
Addressing the controversial eviction in Kiboga, President Museveni revealed how he was compelled to personally intervene after learning that a farmer, Mr. Badiru Mwanje, had been forcefully removed from his land by an individual identified as Ainebyona.
“I saw on TV that a man had been evicted from a well-developed farm. I visited the site myself and found armed men occupying it. The court had ruled to maintain the status quo, but that status quo had been created by the invader. How could that be?” he questioned.
Describing the act as elitist and unlawful, President Museveni demanded an investigation into the conduct of the magistrate involved and urged the Acting Principal Judge to act swiftly.
“Who authorised the eviction? Even I, as Head of State, cannot evict anyone without due process. Only the courts can make that decision,” he emphasised. “This kind of lawlessness is dangerous. We must protect citizens from a system that appears to side with wrongdoers.”
Praise and Promise from Judiciary Leaders
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo commended both the outgoing and incoming Deputy Chief Justices, praising Justice Buteera for his calm and steadfast leadership and describing Dr. Zeija as a visionary jurist with a strong work ethic.
“I had the privilege of working with Dr. Zeija as Principal Judge. He is diligent and results-oriented. Many don’t realise the heavy responsibility borne by that office. I couldn’t have asked for a better colleague,” he noted.
The Chief Justice highlighted recent progress in expanding access to justice, noting the establishment of new High Court circuits in Entebbe, Wakiso, Lugazi, and northern Uganda, with plans for further expansion in regions like Ntungamo, Ibanda, Moyo, and Rakai.
He also thanked the President for supporting the judiciary and appealed for continued investment in infrastructure, ICT tools, transport for officers, and overall institutional capacity.
“We have plans to build new court facilities in Gulu and Mbarara and to expand the number of Court of Appeal judges. But more support is still needed,” he said.
Looking ahead, Justice Owiny-Dollo announced that Uganda will host the Chief Justices’ Forum in May, focused on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)—a cause he has championed. “I am honoured to lead this forum, and Your Excellency, we look forward to your opening address,” he said, adding that Uganda’s progress in ADR is now being recognised across the continent.
A Personal Tribute and a Reform Agenda
In an emotional tribute, Dr. Zeija dedicated his appointment to his late mother, who raised him alone after the early death of his father.
“I was born at home—my mother went into labour after working in the garden and delivered me by herself. She made countless sacrifices to ensure I got an education. This moment is for her,” he shared.
He also thanked his wife for her unwavering support and acknowledged the many challenges that still face the justice system, especially in rural areas lacking proper infrastructure and logistical support. “As Principal Judge, I initiated reforms to boost efficiency, but more must be done. Many upcountry courts remain under-resourced,” he noted.
Dr. Zeija reiterated his commitment to strengthening the judiciary and promoting ADR to ease case backlogs and improve access to justice.
The ceremony was attended by several judicial leaders, including Mr. Pius Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary to the Judiciary, Hon. Justice Buteera, and other senior officials.
