President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Justice Flavia Zeija as the new Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda, replacing Justice Richard Buteera, who is set to retire in April this year upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Justice Zeija has been serving as the Principal Judge and will now take on a higher role in the judiciary. However, her current position as Principal Judge remains vacant as no replacement has been named yet.

The Judicial Service Commission, the body responsible for recruiting and disciplining judges, confirmed the appointment. Additionally, President Museveni has appointed eight new justices to serve in the Court of Appeal.

Justice Buteera, who has had a distinguished career in Uganda’s judiciary, will officially step down in May. His retirement marks the end of a long service in the judiciary, where he has contributed significantly to the country’s legal system.

The appointment of Justice Zeija is expected to bring continuity and experience to the judiciary as she takes on her new responsibilities.