"I Will Hang Up the Wig and Go Home" – Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo Confirms January Retirement

Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, has confirmed he will retire in mid-January 2026 after serving five years in office.Speaking during a public event over the weekend, Justice Owiny-Dollo said he is ready to return home and end his service in the judiciary.

“I am just about to conclude my tenure as Chief Justice. As a matter of fact, in mid-January, I will hang up the wig and go home,” he said.

The Chief Justice’s announcement comes as Uganda prepares for its general elections in 2026.

His retirement is expected to bring changes in the top leadership of the judiciary, though no official successor has been named yet.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni praised the outgoing Chief Justice, thanking him for his service to the nation.

Speaking during a separate event, the President said the judiciary had played a key role in keeping law and order in the country.

At the same event, President Museveni warned Ugandans against electing corrupt politicians.

“Do not vote for those who bribe you. They only want to get back the money they used once they get into office,” the President said.

Meanwhile, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, has called for peace as the country approaches the election period.

He said the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will be keeping a close watch to ensure stability.

“We want peace in the country. We will be on the ground to monitor the situation,” General Muhoozi said while addressing the media.

Justice Owiny-Dollo was appointed Chief Justice in August 2020. During his time in office, he led major reforms in the courts and worked to reduce case backlogs.

He also promoted the use of technology in handling legal matters.

His planned retirement has raised questions about who will take over one of the most powerful legal positions in Uganda.

The Judicial Service Commission is expected to make recommendations to the President in the coming months.

Justice Owiny-Dollo's decision marks the end of a long legal career, including years of service as a judge and deputy Chief Justice before leading the judiciary.

His final words to the public were simple:

“I am happy I served my country.”