Adolf Ayoreka || Tyari News
KAMPALA – Former Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo has been lauded for playing a pivotal role in championing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) like Plea bargaining and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), which reforms observers say have had a profound and lasting impact on the justice sector.
On January 19,2026 Justice Owiny Dollo completed his five year term at the helm of Uganda’s Judiciary as dictated by the Constitution, which requires judges to vacate office upon clocking 70 years and the event was held at the Supreme court in Kampala and handed over to his deputy, Justice Dr Flavian Zaija.
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, described the outgoing Chief Justice as a mentor, teacher, and source of inspiration, lauding his patient, wise, and consultative leadership style. She highlighted his pioneering role in re-engineering Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), reforms she said have had a profound and lasting impact on the justice sector.
She further noted that under his leadership, plea bargaining reshaped criminal procedure in Uganda by reducing delays, easing the burden on courts, prosecutors, witnesses, and victims, and promoting more restorative outcomes.
Lady Justice Abodo expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm welcome and guidance she received from Justice Owiny – Dollo upon her appointment as Principal Judge, noting that his “openness and encouragement made her transition seamless. She noted, adding that these reforms greatly strengthened the mandate of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and significantly accelerated case disposal across the justice sector.
The Acting Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, paid glowing tribute to Justice Owiny – Dollo’s participatory and transformational leadership style, particularly at the start of his term when he spearheaded the Judiciary’s far-reaching transformation agenda.
He commended him for championing a significant increase in the Judiciary’s budget, advancing the Africanization of Uganda’s Judiciary through platforms such as the African ADR Forum, and strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.
Justice Zeija also recalled Justice Owiny – Dollo’s earlier role in initiating peace negotiations between the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels and the Government of Uganda, describing him as a leader who consistently empowered those around him and provided space for effective performance.
Zeija revealed that the Judiciary’s budget grew from about 199 billion shillings to over 440 billion shillings during Owiny-Dollo’s leadership, significantly enhancing institutional capacity.
In his address, the Chief Justice Emeritus, Owiny Dollo, expressed deep appreciation to members of the Judiciary’s Top Management and the wider Judiciary family for the support accorded to him throughout his service.
He noted that the Judiciary would always remain his second family, affirming that he would forever consider himself a permanent member of the institution. He further underscored the importance of concluding all pending matters before him, even as he retires from active judicial service.