In the matter of the retirement of the Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo (Civil Application 1 of 2026)

The full judgment

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Holding

The Supreme Court, sitting in a special session, granted an application brought under the Administration of the Judiciary Act for leave to convene and honour the retired Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo. Satisfied that his tenure was marked by exceptional service and transformation of the Judiciary, and noting the precedent of a similar order made for the Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, the Court held the application fit and proper. It granted leave to Judicial Officers, members of the legal profession, Judiciary staff, family and friends to participate in honouring him, and ordered that the speeches and expressions of gratitude be made a permanent record of the Court. No order as to costs was made.

Facts

The Acting Chief Registrar and another judicial officer applied, by Notice of Motion supported by affidavits, for leave for the Judiciary and others to hold a special sitting recognising the service of the Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, who retired from the Judiciary on 18 January 2026 after over 17 years on the bench, including five years as Chief Justice from 2020. The affidavits recounted his judicial career from his 2008 appointment as a High Court Judge, elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2015, appointment as Deputy Chief Justice in 2017, his Judiciary Transformation Agenda, budget growth, court expansion, championing of Alternative Dispute Resolution, and landmark cases. The Solicitor General supported the application, relying on Chapter 8 of the Constitution and the Administration of the Judiciary Act establishing the Judiciary Service.

Issues

1. Whether leave should be granted to Judicial Officers, staff of the Judiciary and others to hold a special sitting of the Supreme Court to recognise and celebrate the service of the retired Chief Justice.

Orders

• Leave is granted to Judicial Officers, members of the legal profession, Judiciary staff, family and friends to participate in the honour and acclaim of Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo for his service.
• The speeches and expressions of gratitude from the Bar and the Bench be made a permanent record of the Supreme Court of Uganda.
• No order as to costs.

Legislation cited (7)

• Administration of the Judiciary Act Cap. 4 s.22
• Administration of the Judiciary Act Cap. 4 s.13
• Administration of the Judiciary (Judiciary Service) Regulations SI No. 26/2025 reg.91
• Administration of the Judiciary (Judiciary Service) Regulations SI No. 26/2025 reg.104
• Administration of the Judiciary (Judiciary Service) Regulations SI No. 26/2025 reg.105
• Judicature (Supreme Court) (Rules) Directions SI 13-11 Rule 42
• Constitution of the Republic of Uganda Chapter 8

Cases cited (3)

• In Re Hon. Mr Justice Richard Buteera (Court of Appeal Special Sitting Civil Application No. 1 of 2025)
• Michael Kabaziguruka Vs Attorney General
• Attorney General v Kabaziguruka (Constitutional Appeal No. 2 of 2021)