Uganda’s Chief Justice, Hon. Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, has appointed Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga as the Acting Principal Judge of the Courts of Judicature. Her appointment comes in the wake of Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija’s promotion to Deputy Chief Justice.
The Judiciary announced the development this week, citing Article 133 of the Constitution and Section 3(a) of the Administration of the Judiciary Act as the legal basis for the move. According to the statement, the Chief Justice exercised his administrative powers to ensure continuity in the leadership of the High Court and its subordinate courts.
Justice Kajuga is expected to steer judicial operations and support the Chief Justice in managing the court system until a permanent Principal Judge is named.
The Chief Justice extended his congratulations, describing her appointment as part of a broader push to strengthen leadership and expand access to justice.
However, the decision has stirred debate among legal professionals. Kampala lawyer Denis Kusasira questioned the constitutional validity of the appointment, arguing that such an assignment should follow Article 141(2) of the Constitution, which requires the President—after consulting the Chief Justice—to designate someone to perform the duties of Principal Judge.
“This isn’t just a matter of administrative convenience,” Kusasira said. “There’s a clear constitutional process that should be followed.”
Despite the concerns, Justice Kajuga’s qualifications and experience are not in doubt. Since 2019, she has served as a Judge of the High Court and currently holds the position of Deputy Head in the Anti-Corruption Division. Her reputation has been shaped by her handling of complex corruption cases and her commitment to judicial reform.
In 2020, she was appointed the Judiciary’s focal point for the plea bargain program, overseeing its nationwide rollout and reform. Before joining the bench, she spent two decades in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where she rose to the position of Senior Assistant Director and served as the institution’s first spokesperson for over 14 years.
As legal interpretations of the appointment continue to unfold, Justice Kajuga steps into a role critical to the functioning of Uganda’s judiciary at a time of transition.
