The Chief Justice of Uganda, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, officially retired from the Judiciary on Sunday, January 18, 2026, marking the end of a 17-year judicial career after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.
His retirement is in accordance with Article 144(1)(a) of the Constitution, which requires the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to retire upon reaching the age of 70.
Born on January 18, 1956, Owiny-Dollo joined the Bench in 2008 when he was appointed a Judge of the High Court.
He was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2015 and, two years later in 2017, appointed Deputy Chief Justice, replacing Justice Steven Kavuma.
In August 2020, he ascended to the position of Chief Justice, succeeding Justice Bart Katureebe.
Unlike his predecessor, Owiny-Dollo leaves office before a successor has been appointed, as the appointing authority is yet to name the next Chief Justice from a shortlist that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is understood to have forwarded to President Yoweri Museveni for consideration.
Among the potential contenders for the position are Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, Justice Mike Chibita, Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, Justice Monica Mugenyi, and Justice Christopher Madrama.
Last Tuesday, while endorsing a mediated settlement agreement between the family of the late Sir Edward Muteesa II and the late city tycoon Dr. Muhammad Kasasa over the long-standing Mutungo land dispute, Owiny-Dollo confirmed that he would officially leave office on Sunday after turning 70.
He noted that endorsing the agreement might be among his final official acts as Chief Justice, despite it being undertaken in a mediation capacity.
During his five-year tenure at the helm of the Judiciary, Owiny-Dollo will largely be remembered for championing increased funding for the institution.
When he assumed office, the Judiciary’s budget stood at Shs199 billion.
This figure has since risen to Shs442 billion, facilitating the expansion of human resources, adoption of technology, and improvement of court infrastructure across the country.
However, his tenure also ends amid unresolved controversy following a public fallout with Supreme Court Justice Esther Kisaakye during the hearing of the 2021 Presidential Election Petition.
Justice Kisaakye accused Owiny-Dollo of blocking her from delivering a dissenting judgment and ordering the confiscation of her files.
Following the dispute, President Museveni appointed a seven-member tribunal to investigate Justice Kisaakye upon the recommendation of the JSC.
Owiny-Dollo exits office before the tribunal concludes its work.
By Alex Magala
19th Jan 2026
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