The Chief Justice of Kenya, Martha K Koome, has joined a chorus of others to congratulate Justice Flavian Zeija upon his appointment as the next Chief Justice of Uganda.
In her congratulatory message dated January 26, Chief Justice Koome described Justice Zeija’s recent appointment as ‘a fitting recognition of a distinguished judicial career’.
‘On behalf of the Judiciary of Kenya, the Supreme Court, and on my own behalf, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your appointment as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda,’ reads in part the congratulatory message by Kenya’s CJ.
Adding, ‘Your appointment is a fitting recognition of a distinguished judicial career marked by intellectual rigour, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and fair administration of justice. I’m confident that under your stewardship, the Judiciary of Uganda will continue to strengthen judicial independence, institutional integrity, and public confidence in the justice system.’
Last week, President Museveni appointed Justice Zeija as the next Chief Justice of the country, replacing retired Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who had clocked the retirement age of 70 on January 18.
Following his appointment, his name was swiftly forwarded to Parliament for vetting. A day later, he took oath before President Museveni’s private residence in Kisozi in Gomba District.
Other congratulatory messages to the new Chief Justice came from the Uganda Christian University Law Society, Makerere University Business School (Mubs), where he was a former lecturer and head of the Business Law department, University of Dar es Salaam, where he studied for his PhD, and the Rotary District 9213.
Before he was nominated Chief Justice, Justice Zeija, 57, had served as Deputy Chief Justice for less than a year, having previously held the position of Principal Judge.
Dr Zeija (PhD) is a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience at both the Bar and the Bench. He is also an academic and legal consultant.
His immediate task is to preside over a presidential election petition challenging the re-election of President Museveni.