The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has formally advertised the position of Chief Justice, opening the process to find a successor to Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, whose tenure as head of Uganda’s judiciary is coming to an end. 

In an external advertisement released this week (No. 3 of 2025), the JSC invited applications from qualified Ugandan citizens to fill the highest judicial office in the land. 

The successful candidate will preside over the Supreme Court, guide judicial reforms, and provide leadership in the administration of justice. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and at least 10 years of continuous legal practice. Postgraduate qualifications will be considered an added advantage.  Candidates are also required to demonstrate “integrity, competence and diligence,” and must be holders of a valid practicing certificate issued by the Uganda Law Council. 

The job description lists responsibilities such as presiding over cases of the Supreme Court, directing the work of the Judiciary, and ensuring the efficient delivery of justice—core functions of the Chief Justice under Uganda’s Constitution.

Owiny-Dollo, who became Chief Justice in 2020, has overseen judicial reforms including efforts to reduce case backlogs, digitisation of court records, and expansion of courts upcountry. 

However, his tenure has also drawn criticism over persistent delays in the justice system and handling of high-profile political cases 

His departure will leave a vacuum at a critical time, as Uganda heads into the 2026 general elections when the courts are expected to play a central role in resolving electoral disputes.

He is clocking 70 years on January 18, 2025, the mandatory retirement age. 

Application Deadline

The JSC has set October 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. as the deadline for applications, which must be submitted electronically. 

After vetting, the Commission will forward a shortlist of suitable candidates to President Yoweri Museveni, who constitutionally appoints the Chief Justice subject to parliamentary approval. The choice of Owiny-Dollo’s successor will be closely watched as the new Chief Justice will steer Uganda’s judiciary at a politically sensitive moment.

By ChimpReports