Owiny-Dollo: I am Sorry to Those I Offended

He previously faced sustained criticism from opposition politicians and sections of civil society over the handling of the 2021 presidential election petition challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election.

Owiny-Dollo attended luncheon with Justices of the Supreme Court alongside judicial and non-judicial staff

KAMPALA, Uganda — Retired Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny–Dollo has publicly apologised to colleagues and staff he may have offended during his time on the Bench, as the Supreme Court held a special luncheon to mark his retirement after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Owiny-Dollo formally exited office earlier this month and has been succeeded by Flavian Zeija, bringing to a close a judicial career that spanned diplomacy, politics and more than two decades in the courts.

Speaking this week at the gathering held at Level 7 of the Supreme Court Building, the Chief Justice Emeritus said he had not expected to make formal remarks, having understood the luncheon to be an informal family engagement.

He nevertheless used the occasion to reflect candidly on his leadership, acknowledge shortcomings, and ask for forgiveness.

“I ask for forgiveness from anyone I may have wronged unknowingly,” Owiny-Dollo said, noting that leadership often involves difficult decisions that can unintentionally offend. “The future is bigger than today and bigger than yesterday.”

The luncheon, attended by Justices of the Supreme Court alongside judicial and non-judicial staff, opened with praise and worship, setting a reflective tone for what became a deeply personal farewell.

Owiny-Dollo said that while formal court sittings are essential, informal interactions are critical for building trust, fostering understanding and strengthening collegial relationships within institutions.

He thanked God for the privilege of leading the Judiciary and the Supreme Court, describing his colleagues as brothers and sisters with whom he had greatly enjoyed working.

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He said his greatest professional satisfaction came from judgment writing, adding that administrative responsibilities as head of the Judiciary had significantly reduced the time he could dedicate to it.

He emphasised the Supreme Court’s responsibility to guide lower courts through authoritative decisions and pledged to complete his pending judicial work.

Owiny-Dollo’s tenure, however, was not without controversy. He previously faced sustained criticism from opposition politicians and sections of civil society over the handling of the 2021 presidential election petition challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election.

The petition was dismissed after the petitioner withdrew the case, citing alleged bias and procedural unfairness.

Dissent within the Court was also laid bare when Esther Kisakye issued a strongly worded minority opinion, criticising the manner in which the petition was handled and warning that the process risked undermining public confidence in the judiciary. Owiny-Dollo rejected the accusations at the time, defending the Court’s conduct and insisting that due process had been followed.

Looking ahead, Owiny-Dollo said he intends to return to society to serve humanity, revealing plans to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centre in Gulu and to continue championing mediation as a pathway to affordable and accessible justice.

“I want to go back to society and serve,” he said, encouraging colleagues to learn both from his achievements and from areas where he believes the institution could have done better.

Speaking on behalf of the Court, Lady Justice Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, the Court Administrator, said the luncheon was organised to honour a cherished member of the Judiciary family whose retirement comes at a time when he remains a significant national figure.

She noted that it was the first time the Supreme Court had convened such a gathering, describing it as a testament to the esteem in which Owiny-Dollo is held. She also credited Lady Justice Catherine K. Bamugemereire for persuading the Court to organise the event.

Tributes

Justices paid glowing tributes to the retired Chief Justice.

Justice Mike Chibita described Owiny-Dollo as one of the few leaders, alongside Chief Justice Emeritus Bart Katureebe and Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus Steven Kavuma, to have served across all three arms of government, commending him for steering the Judiciary through challenging periods, including the construction of the Judiciary Towers.

Justice Christopher Madrama praised his humility, accessibility and open-door leadership style, while Justice Elizabeth Musoke reflected on their long friendship and his depth of knowledge. Justice Stephen Musota described him as a champion of the rule of law, and Justice Monica Mugenyi said it had been an honour to serve under a leader who valued integrity, diligence and simplicity.

Owiny-Dollo’s retirement at 70 marks the end of a defining chapter in Uganda’s Judiciary, as the institution transitions under the leadership of Chief Justice Zeija.