Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo on Monday formally handed over office to the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija.
Owiny-Dollo retired after reaching the mandatory age of 70. Born on January 18, 1956, in the present Agago District (formerly part of the larger Kitgum), had committed over four decades to law and justice.
At a ceremony attended by judicial and non-judicial staff, Justice Owiny-Dollo handed over key instruments of office, including the Constitution, the Laws of Uganda, the Administration of the Judiciary Act and a comprehensive handover report to guide his successor.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Chief Justice struck an emotional tone, describing the Judiciary as a permanent part of his life.
“The Judiciary will always remain my second family. Even in retirement, I will forever consider myself a permanent member of this institution,” he said.
Justice Owiny-Dollo underscored the importance of accountability and continuity, noting that he was committed to concluding all matters pending before him as he exits active judicial service.
“I believe in finishing what I started. Every pending matter entrusted to me deserves closure,” he added.
Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija paid tribute to his outgoing boss, praising his participatory and transformational leadership, especially at the start of his tenure when the Judiciary embarked on wide-ranging reforms.
“He led from the front and gave everyone space to perform. The transformation agenda he championed laid a strong foundation for the Judiciary we have today,” Justice Zeija said.
Justice Zeija credited Owiny-Dollo for successfully lobbying for increased funding for the Judiciary, strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and promoting the Africanisation of justice through initiatives such as the African ADR Forum.
He also recalled the Chief Justice’s earlier national service beyond the Bench.
“His role in initiating peace talks between the Lord’s Resistance Army and the Government of Uganda speaks to a jurist deeply committed to justice, peace and reconciliation,” Zeija noted.
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described Justice Owiny-Dollo as a mentor and reformer whose leadership style was marked by patience, wisdom, and consultation.
“He re-engineered ADR and Alternative Justice Systems in ways that will outlive his tenure,” she said.
She highlighted Plea Bargaining as one of his most enduring legacies, noting that it transformed criminal justice by reducing delays and easing the burden on courts, prosecutors, witnesses, and victims.
“These reforms strengthened the mandate of the DPP and significantly accelerated case disposal across the justice sector,” Justice Abodo observed.
Permanent Secretary to the Judiciary, Dr. Pius Bigirimana, commended the outgoing Chief Justice for championing financial discipline and accountability under the institution’s 15-point programme.
“His unwavering support was instrumental in securing enhanced funding for the Judiciary,” Bigirimana said.
Acting Chief Registrar Pamella Lamunu Ocaya described the handover as a moment of reflection and gratitude, praising Justice Owiny-Dollo’s integrity and courage.
“He led with fidelity to justice and strengthened the Judiciary’s constitutional mandate to serve all Ugandans, especially the vulnerable,” she said.
A Journey Through the Law
After earning a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, he pursued advanced studies abroad, a Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution from the University of Bradford and a certificate in advanced conflict mediation from Cape Town. These equipped him for a career bridging divides.
In the late 1980s, Owiny-Dollo served as legal counsel during peace talks between the government and the rebel Uganda People’s Democratic Movement. He later contributed to drafting Uganda’s landmark 1995 Constitution as a Constituent Assembly delegate. Elected to Parliament representing Agago County (1996–2001), he also served as Minister of State for the Northern Uganda Reconstruction Programme. His mediation skills shone again in 2006–2008, advising South Sudanese Vice President Riek Machar during LRA-government negotiations, even meeting Joseph Kony face-to-face in the DRC.
Later he was appointed to the High Court in 2008, then to the Court of Appeal in 2015, and named Deputy Chief Justice in 2017, Owiny-Dollo became Acting Chief Justice in 2020 before President Museveni appointed him the 13th Chief Justice that August. His tenure focused on the Judiciary Transformation Agenda (2020–2025), tackling case backlogs, improving access to justice, digitizing operations, and upgrading infrastructure.
