Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo formally bowed out of judicial service on Sunday, January 18, 2026, after attaining the constitutional retirement age of 70, bringing to an end a career that left a strong imprint on Uganda’s justice system.
Owiny-Dollo exits the bench after nearly two decades in judicial service, having joined the Judiciary in 2008 as a High Court judge. His rise through the ranks saw him appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2015, elevated to Deputy Chief Justice two years later, and eventually named Chief Justice in August 2020, taking over from Bart Katureebe.
As head of the Judiciary, Owiny-Dollo steered reforms aimed at improving efficiency, access to justice, and institutional independence. He championed increased budgetary support for the Judiciary, enabling expanded staffing, improved court infrastructure, and greater use of technology in court processes.
A key feature of his tenure was the promotion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation, plea bargaining, and small claims courts. These initiatives were designed to ease case backlog, decongest prisons, and offer faster, less adversarial paths to justice—an approach that gained prominence during nationwide judicial outreach programs.
His leadership also oversaw a major infrastructural milestone with the relocation of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to a modern twin-tower judicial complex in Kampala, a move intended to improve service delivery and public access to the country’s highest courts.
Owiny-Dollo’s retirement comes at a time when no immediate successor has been named. The Judicial Service Commission has already submitted a shortlist of nominees to President Yoweri Museveni. Among those under consideration are Justice Mike Chibita, Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, Justice Monica Mugenyi, Justice Christopher Madrama, and Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija.
While his tenure attracted widespread praise for institutional reform and modernization, it was not without controversy. His leadership came under public scrutiny during the handling of the 2021 presidential election petition, particularly amid internal disagreements involving Supreme Court Justice Esther Kisaakye.
Beyond the bench, Owiny-Dollo brought a rich background in law, governance, and conflict resolution to the Judiciary. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Diploma in Legal Practice, and a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution. Earlier in his career, he served as legal counsel in national peace negotiations, participated in drafting the 1995 Constitution as a member of the Constituent Assembly, and represented Agago County in Parliament.
With his departure, the Judiciary closes a significant chapter shaped by reform, institutional growth, and a renewed focus on access to justice. Owiny-Dollo leaves behind a legacy that continues to influence Uganda’s legal landscape and the direction of judicial governance.
