President Yoweri Museveni has urged for the expedited reform of outdated and irrational legal practices, particularly in the areas of inheritance and land disputes.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Flavian Zeija as Uganda’s new Deputy Chief Justice at State House Entebbe, Museveni emphasized the need for a justice system that reflects contemporary societal realities.
“There is a need for a justice system that aligns with societal realities. Why should people go through such unnecessary procedures to inherit property? In the past, clans handled such matters in the absence of a centralized authority,” Museveni said.
He added, “Today, if the law allows girls to inherit property—provided it’s in a will or agreed upon by the clan—then we should incorporate that into the law.”
Dr. Zeija succeeds Justice Richard Buteera, who is set to retire in May 2025. He has served as Uganda’s Principal Judge since December 25, 2019.
An accomplished academic and legal professional, Dr. Zeija holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Master of Laws (LLM) from Makerere University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre (LDC), a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam, and an MBA from Uganda Martyrs University.
His career began in 1998 as a legal assistant at Kwesigabo, Bamwine, Walubiri & Company Advocates. He later became managing partner at Zeija, Mukasa & Company Advocates before joining the judiciary. He has also served in corporate legal roles, including as Manager of Legal & Recovery at Tropical Africa Bank and Legal Counsel at FINCA Uganda.
In academia, Dr. Zeija taught law at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Makerere University, and Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where he was the founding head of the Department of Business Law.
Appointed a High Court Judge in 2016, he served as the Resident Judge of the Mbarara High Court Circuit, Uganda’s largest. His elevation to Principal Judge in 2019 and now Deputy Chief Justice highlights his commitment to both legal excellence and judicial administration.
Dr. Zeija’s appointment is expected to further strengthen the judiciary, providing a blend of legal expertise and strategic leadership.
