By Frank Kamuntu

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced several high-level appointments within Uganda’s judiciary, including the appointment of Justice Flavian Zeija as Deputy Chief Justice ahead of the expected retirement of Justice Richard Buteera from the Supreme Court in May 2025. Justice Zeija, who has previously served as the Principal Judge of the High Court, will oversee a critical segment of the country’s judicial functions, which is particularly significant at a time when the Judiciary is working to address the rising number of cases.

In addition to the Deputy Chief Justice appointment, President Museveni filled a vacant seat left by Justice Esther Kisaakye, who fled into exile last year. Justice Kisaakye’s vacancy on the Supreme Court bench has been filled by Justice Muzamil Mutangula Kibeedi, a move expected to strengthen the court’s ability to handle complex and high-stakes cases.

The full list of the new judicial appointments, which were confirmed by the President on February 6, 2025, includes:

Deputy Chief Justice: Justice Flavian Zeija
Supreme Court Justice: Justice Muzamil Mutangula Kibeedi (replacing Justice Esther Kisaakye)
Court of Appeal Justices:
- Justice Musa Ssekaana (High Court Judge)
- Lady Justice Ketra Kitariisibwa Katunguka
- Lady Justice Sabiiti Cornelia Kakooza
- Lady Justice Stella Alibateese
- Lady Justice Florence Nakacwa
- Lady Justice Esta Nambayo
- Justice Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema
- Justice John Mike Musisi

The President also appointed 21 acting judges to the High Court, each serving a term of two years. Among these appointments are some notable figures, including:

Sarah Langa Siu, former Registrar of the Judiciary
Lady Justice Rosemary Bareebe Ngabirano
Lady Justice Mary Babirye
Lady Justice Deepa Verma
Lady Justice Lillian Alum Omara
Lady Justice Ida Nakiganda
Mary Kaitesi Kisakye
Susan Odongo
Joanita Gertrude Bushara
Sarah Birungi Kalibbala
Flavia Grace Lamuno
Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika

Also, Lady Justice Faridah Shamilah Bukirwa has been reappointed for a one-year term, following the conclusion of her disciplinary proceedings. Her previous tenure as an acting judge in Jinja was marked by public controversies but has now been resolved.

It is expected that the new appointees will enhance the capacity of the Judiciary to efficiently handle cases, provide timely justice, and contribute to maintaining the rule of law across Uganda.

See Full List Below;