In advance of Justice Richard Buteera’s retirement from his position as Deputy Chief Justice, President Museveni has named Flavian Zeija as the successor in a recent reshuffle of the Judiciary.
Zeija has been serving as the Acting Principal Judge of the High Court, a role that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has yet to officially fill.
In his new position, he will oversee a significant portion of Uganda’s judicial responsibilities. Zeija’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the judiciary as it strives to enhance its capacity to manage the increasing volume of cases. Justice Muzamil Mutangula Kibeedi has also been appointed to fill the vacant seat in the Supreme Court, following the departure of Justice Esther Kisaakye last year.
This appointment represents a significant advancement for the Judiciary, as it will aid in fortifying the system to address the most challenging and consequential legal cases in the nation.
These appointments, aimed at strengthening the judicial system of the country, were officially confirmed by President Museveni on February 6, 2025. In addition, the Court of Appeal saw eight new appointments, with Judge Musa Ssekaana, previously of the High Court, being a prominent addition.
The remaining appointments included several women, Lady Justices such as Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza, Stella Alibateese, Esta Nambayo, Ketra Kitariisibwa Katunguka, and Florence Nakawa. Justice John Mike Musisi and Jesse Byaruhanga will also be joining them on the appellate bench.
“These new appointments will enhance the appellate system, ensuring that appeals are processed with the skill and effectiveness that the nation’s legal system requires,” stated Ms. Maria Theresa Nabulya, the acting senior communications officer at the JSC.
The Commander-in-Chief also appointed 21 acting Judges to the High Court for a two-year term. Among the other individuals included in these appointments is Sarah Langa Siu, who served as the Registrar of the Judiciary until December of the previous year. This action continues the recent trend of increasing female representation in judicial positions.
This trend was further highlighted last week during the Supreme Court ruling in the GCM case involving civilian trials, where four highly qualified women participated alongside men. There could have been five women if Justice Kisaakye had not chosen self-exile.
Continuing the emphasis on female appointments, Lady Justice Langa will see several women joining, including Lady Justices Deepa Verma, Ida Nakiganda, Lillian Alum Omara, Rosemary Bareebe Nhabirano, and Mary Babirye. Other appointments included Mary Kaitesi, Susan Odongo, Joanita Gertrude Bushara, Sarah Birungi Kalibbala, Flavia Grace Lamuno, and Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika.
Moreover, Museveni has reappointed Lady Justice Faridah Shamilah Bukirwa despite her past controversies during her tenure as an acting Judge of the High Court, which attracted considerable public scrutiny.
According to the JSC, her one-year reappointment is necessary to finalize her ongoing disciplinary proceedings. Ultimately, these new appointments are anticipated to enhance the Judiciary’s capacity, thus reinforcing the rule of law in Uganda.
