Entebbe, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today presided over the swearing-in of Hon. Dr. Flavian Zeija as Uganda’s new Deputy Chief Justice, a key event held at State House Entebbe.
Beyond the formalities, it was the President’s unexpected and passionate call for legal reform especially in matters of inheritance and land.
Hon. Dr. Zeija replaces the retiring Justice Richard Buteera who bows out after an extraordinary 44 years of service in Uganda’s judiciary.
Museveni in his remarks, praised Justice Buteera’s legacy of discipline and dedication while also charging the incoming Deputy Chief Justice with the task of confronting “irrational and outdated” legal frameworks that no longer serve the people.
“Why should people go through unnecessary procedures just to inherit property?” the President posed, unsatisfied with the current state of Uganda’s legal system.
President Museveni went further, calling for a justice system that reflects modern society without disregarding cultural roots.
Referencing historical clan systems that governed inheritance in pre-colonial Uganda, he suggested a hybrid approach that combines traditional wisdom with contemporary constitutional values.
“In the past, clans settled inheritance issues when there was no centralized authority. If a girl can inherit property by will or clan agreement, why can’t we include that in our formal law?” he asked verbally.
This statement touched a nerve on a long contentious debate about gendered access to land, family property and bureaucratic blocks that often delay justice for grieving families especially women and orphans.
Museveni’s remarks were as bold as they were timely, coming just months before the 2026 general elections where land and inheritance disputes often dominate local politics.
While some legal purists may resist blending customary and statutory systems, others view this as a long overdue correction to colonial era legal systems that ignored indigenous justice frameworks.
Dr. Zeija is no stranger to Uganda’s legal corridors. He has served as the Principal Judge, overseen numerous judicial reforms and is known for his scholarly depth and bold legal opinions.
As he steps into his new role, the public and evidently President Museveni expects more than ceremonial leadership.
“We need a judiciary that understands society not just books,” Museveni emphasized.
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