Kampala– Members of the Kigezi Lawyers’ Fraternity on Saturday evening hosted a dinner at Sheraton Hotel Kampala in honour of Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija following his recent appointment as Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice, who hails from the Kigezi sub-region, joined lawyers and Judicial Officers from the region in celebrating his elevation to the highest office in the Judiciary. The gathering brought together members of the legal fraternity from Kigezi, who reflected on the significance of one of their own rising to lead the country’s Judiciary.
The dinner provided an opportunity for members to celebrate the Chief Justice’s appointment while reaffirming their shared commitment to the administration of justice.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice thanked the fraternity for organising the dinner in his honour and commended its leadership for revitalising the association and fostering unity among lawyers from the region.
He also announced that a thanksgiving ceremony will be held on July 25, 2026, at his home in Nyarushanje, and invited members of the fraternity to attend. He said the function would not be a personal celebration, but rather an occasion for the wider Kigezi community, adding that he would also be visiting the region ahead of the thanksgiving event.
Reflecting on his life journey, the Chief Justice described his story as miraculous, recalling that he was born in humble circumstances after his mother went into labour while working in the garden and later gave birth to him in the kitchen at home. He thanked God for preserving his life and enabling him to rise to the office of Chief Justice.
Turning to his vision for the Judiciary, Chief Justice Dr. Zeija emphasised the need to ensure that justice services reach every Ugandan, including those in hard-to-reach areas. He cited his recent visit to Kalangala, where concerns were
Raised about the high cost of transportation for Judicial officers and court users accessing justice across the islands.
He revealed that it was under those circumstances that the Judiciary procured a boat, which is expected to be launched next week to serve Kalangala. He added that similar interventions would be extended to Buvuma and Sigulu islands, with support also intended for Koome Island, as part of efforts to bring court services closer to the people.
The Chief Justice also spoke candidly about the challenges facing the Judiciary, including limited funding, staffing gaps, corruption, and performance concerns. He stressed the importance of accountability and dedication among Judicial officers, noting that public servants must earn
Their salaries by delivering services efficiently and fairly.
He further encouraged lawyers to consider joining the Bench when opportunities arise, urging them to come prepared to work collectively in strengthening the institution.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Kigezi Lawyers’ Fraternity, Mr. Henry Rwaganika, who was also the Chairperson Organising Committee, congratulated the Chief Justice upon his appointment, describing his elevation as a reflection of his leadership and commitment to the legal profession. He also thanked the Government and commended the fraternity for coming together to celebrate the achievement.
Justice Jesse Rugyema Byaruhanga, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, said the Chief Justice’s qualities were well known to those who had served under his supervision both at the High Court and the Court of Appeal. He called on members of the fraternity to support him in his new role.
Speaking on behalf of High Court Judges, Lady Justice Patricia Basaza Wasswa described the Chief Justice as a performance-driven leader who pays close attention to detail. She expressed confidence that under his leadership, the Judiciary would continue to transform and improve service delivery, especially as the institution prepares for the transition to paperless systems
