Flavian Zeija Bio, Age, Height, Family, Career, Salary, Net Worth & More [2026]

Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija stands as one of Uganda’s most distinguished legal minds, currently serving as the Chief Justice of Uganda since January 2026. With over 25 years of experience in legal practice, academia, and judicial service, Zeija has risen through the ranks to become the head of Uganda’s judiciary, making him one of the most influential figures in East African legal circles.

Born in Western Uganda, Zeija’s journey from a young law graduate to the pinnacle of judicial leadership exemplifies dedication, expertise, and commitment to justice. His recent appointment as Chief Justice marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s legal history, positioning him to lead the country’s highest court through challenging times.

Quick bio

Early Life & Education

Flavian Zeija was born on February 18, 1969, in Uganda’s Western Region, specifically in the Kigezi sub-region. Growing up in a region known for its strong educational traditions, Zeija demonstrated academic excellence from an early age. He attended St. Mary’s College Rushoroza for his secondary education, where his leadership qualities emerged as he served as Head Prefect.

His pursuit of higher education led him to Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious public university, in 1993. Three years later, he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1996. Demonstrating his commitment to legal excellence, Zeija immediately enrolled at the Law Development Centre in Kampala, where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 1997.

Not content with stopping there, Zeija returned to Makerere University in 1999 to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, which he completed in 2002. His academic journey reached its pinnacle when he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam between 2008 and 2013, specializing in law and governance. Adding to his impressive educational portfolio, he obtained a Master of Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University in 2018, demonstrating his versatility and business acumen.

Career Journey

Early Legal Practice (1998-2016)

Zeija’s legal career began in 1998 when he enrolled as an advocate of the High Court of Uganda. He started as a legal assistant at Kwesigabo, Bamwine, Walubiri & Company Advocates, a prominent Kampala-based law firm. This foundational experience provided him with valuable insights into various aspects of legal practice.

Between 2002 and 2003, he served as Manager of Legal and Recovery at Tropical Africa Bank, where he gained crucial experience in commercial law and banking regulations. He then moved to FINCA Uganda Limited as Legal Counsel from 2005 to February 2011, where he specialized in microfinance law and corporate legal matters.

During this period, Zeija also established his own law firm, Zeija, Mukasa & Company Advocates, where he served as Managing Partner. This entrepreneurial venture showcased his business acumen and leadership capabilities while providing comprehensive legal services to diverse clients.

Academic Career

Parallel to his legal practice, Zeija built a distinguished academic career. He served as a lecturer at multiple prestigious institutions:

• Uganda Christian University (2014-2016): Taught various law courses
• Makerere University: Contributed to legal education at his alma mater
• Makerere University Business School (MUBS): Served as the founding Head of the Department of Business Law

His dual career in practice and academia positioned him uniquely, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Judicial Career

High Court Judge (2016-2019)

In 2016, Zeija was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Uganda, marking his transition to the bench. He was assigned as the Resident Judge of the Mbarara High Court Circuit, the largest circuit in the country. During his tenure, he handled numerous significant cases, demonstrating judicial acumen and commitment to justice.

Principal Judge (2019-2025)

On December 25, 2019, Zeija was appointed as the Principal Judge of Uganda, becoming the third-highest ranking judicial officer in the country. In this capacity, he was responsible for:

• Supervising justices of the High Court
• Assigning duties to court members
• Overseeing Magistrates Courts below the High Court

His tenure as Principal Judge was marked by efforts to reduce case backlogs and promote professionalism within the judiciary.

Deputy Chief Justice (2025-2026)

On February 7, 2025, Zeija was appointed as Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda. In this role, he played a crucial part in:

• Overseeing court administration
• Spearheading initiatives to improve service delivery
• Expanding alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
• Integrating technology for case management

Chief Justice (2026-Present)

On January 22, 2026, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Zeija as the Chief Justice of Uganda, following the retirement of Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo. This appointment made him the head of the Judiciary and the Supreme Court, Uganda’s highest court.

As Chief Justice, Zeija faces immediate challenges including:

• Leading the Supreme Court in handling a presidential election petition
• Addressing case backlogs and judicial efficiency
• Combating corruption within the judiciary
• Enhancing public confidence in the legal system

Personal Life

Justice Zeija is a devoted family man, married with five children. While he maintains privacy regarding his family life, it is known that he balances his demanding professional responsibilities with family commitments. His upbringing in the Kigezi region has instilled in him strong cultural values and a commitment to community service.

Beyond his professional duties, Zeija is known for his dedication to mentoring young legal professionals and his involvement in various judicial reform initiatives. He maintains active engagement with legal education institutions and frequently participates in professional development programs.

Awards & Achievements

• Recognition as Male Champion of Gender Equality by the Austrian Embassy (2025)
• Distinguished Service Award for contributions to judicial reform
• Academic Excellence – Multiple degrees including PhD in Law
• Leadership Recognition for transforming court administration
• Anti-Corruption Advocacy recognition for promoting judicial integrity

Physical Statistics

Quotes

1. On Judicial Integrity: “Violence against women is not a distant problem, it starts in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities yet it continues to undermine the safety and dignity of Ugandan women and girls.”
2. On Professional Conduct: “Punitive measures must definitely be meted out to such erring Judges. We have already activated the process of reining-in such errant Judges.”
3. On Leadership Transition: “This has been one of the best leadership periods in the Judiciary. May your judgments be wise, your conscience clear, and your commitment unshakable.”

Controversies

Justice Zeija has maintained a relatively controversy-free career, though his rapid rise through judicial ranks has attracted some attention. His appointment as Chief Justice came as a surprise to some within the judiciary, with reports suggesting that even the Permanent Secretary to the Judiciary was initially unaware of the appointment.

His strict stance on judicial performance and disciplinary measures has occasionally generated debate within legal circles, though these positions have generally been viewed as necessary for maintaining judicial standards.

Salary & Net Worth

As Chief Justice of Uganda, Zeija earns a monthly salary of approximately UGX 23 million (about $6,000-7,000 USD), making him one of the highest-paid public officials in the country. This represents a significant increase from his previous positions:

• Chief Justice: UGX 23 million/month
• Deputy Chief Justice: UGX 18 million/month
• Principal Judge: UGX 10 million/month

His estimated net worth in 2026 ranges between $1-3 million, accumulated through his legal practice, academic career, judicial service, and various investments. This estimation considers his salary history, property holdings, and professional earnings over his 25+ year career.

Interesting Facts

1. Rapid Rise: Zeija became Chief Justice less than a year after being appointed Deputy Chief Justice, marking one of the fastest ascensions in Uganda’s judicial history.
2. Academic-Practitioner: He successfully maintained parallel careers in legal practice and academia for over a decade.
3. Multi-Disciplinary Education: Holds degrees in both Law and Business Administration, showcasing his diverse intellectual interests.
4. Founding Head: Served as the pioneer Head of the Business Law Department at Makerere University Business School.
5. Gender Advocate: Recognized by international organizations for his advocacy against gender-based violence.
6. Technology Advocate: Spearheaded initiatives to integrate technology into court case management systems.

Social Media Links

Justice Zeija maintains a professional presence on various platforms:

• LinkedIn: Flavian Zeija PhD
• Professional Profiles: Available on judiciary.go.ug and various legal directories
• News Mentions: Regular coverage on major Ugandan news websites

Note: Personal social media accounts are not publicly disclosed to maintain judicial propriety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was Flavian Zeija appointed as Chief Justice? A: Justice Zeija was appointed as Chief Justice of Uganda on January 22, 2026, following his vetting and approval by Parliament.

Q: What is Flavian Zeija’s educational background? A: He holds a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam, an LLM from Makerere University, an LLB from Makerere University, and an MBA from Uganda Martyrs University.

Q: How many children does Flavian Zeija have? A: Justice Zeija is the father of five children.

Q: What was Flavian Zeija’s position before becoming Chief Justice? A: He served as Deputy Chief Justice from February 2025 to January 2026, and as Principal Judge from December 2019 to February 2025.

Q: What is the salary of Uganda’s Chief Justice? A: The Chief Justice earns approximately UGX 23 million per month (about $6,000-7,000 USD).

Q: What are Justice Zeija’s main priorities as Chief Justice? A: His priorities include reducing case backlogs, combating judicial corruption, enhancing court efficiency, and maintaining judicial independence.

Conclusion

Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija’s appointment as Chief Justice of Uganda represents the culmination of a distinguished legal career spanning over 25 years. From his humble beginnings in Western Uganda to leading the country’s highest court, his journey exemplifies dedication to justice and legal excellence.

As he takes the helm of Uganda’s judiciary during challenging times, Zeija brings with him extensive experience in legal practice, academia, and judicial administration. His reputation as a reform-minded judicial officer, combined with his academic credentials and practical experience, positions him well to address the challenges facing Uganda’s legal system.

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