President Yoweri Museveni has called for urgent reforms in Uganda’s inheritance laws, urging the judiciary to align legal practices with modern societal values and realities. His remarks came during the swearing-in ceremony of Hon. Dr. Flavian Zeija as the new Deputy Chief Justice at State House, Entebbe.

President Museveni praised Dr. Zeija’s commitment to modernizing legal frameworks, particularly in the areas of inheritance and land dispute resolution. He emphasized that many current procedures are outdated and unnecessarily burdensome for citizens seeking to inherit property.

“In the past, clans handled such matters in the absence of centralized authority. Today, the law must reflect our evolving society,” said the President. “If girls are legally allowed to inherit property, whether through a will or clan consensus, then our laws must support and protect that right.”

Museveni also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Richard Buteera, for his distinguished service spanning over four decades. “Justice Buteera has been a pillar of our judiciary. We thank him for his dedication and integrity,” the President noted.

Dr. Zeija, in his remarks, echoed the call for reform, highlighting the need to eliminate archaic legal barriers that hinder justice and equality. He pledged to champion a justice system that serves all Ugandans fairly and efficiently.

The ceremony marks a pivotal moment in Uganda’s judicial leadership and signals a renewed commitment to progressive legal reforms under Dr. Zeija’s stewardship.