The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is set to begin the process of appointing a new Chief Justice of Uganda, following the impending retirement of Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo on 18th January 2026.
Owiny-Dollo will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 on that date, marking the end of his judicial service, including his roles as a Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judge.
Born on 18th January 1956, he began his judicial career in 2008 when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni appointed him a High Court judge.
He later served as Deputy Chief Justice from 30th September 2017, succeeding Justice Steven Kavuma, and as Acting Chief Justice from 22nd June 2020.
According to the Constitution, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges retire at 70, High Court judges at 65, and registrars at 60.
The upcoming recruitment of the next Chief Justice will be the first major test for the new JSC, chaired by Justice Douglas Singiza, who succeeded Justice Benjamin Kabito earlier this year.
Several Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges including Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, Mike Chibita, Catherine Bamugemereire, and Prof. Lilian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza, are reportedly eyeing the position.
Article 143(1) of the Constitution stipulates that a candidate must have served as a Supreme Court judge, a judge of a court with similar jurisdiction, or practiced as an advocate for at least 20 years before a court with unlimited civil and criminal jurisdiction.
Once the JSC finalizes its shortlist, the President will make the final appointment in accordance with the Constitution.
By Alex Magala
27th Oct 2025
END
