KAMPALA, Uganda – Newly sworn in President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi as Uganda’s new Deputy Chief Justice, pending parliamentary approval, and named Her Worship Agnes Alum as the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) announced on Thursday.
Justice Kazibwe, a member of the Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court, takes on a position that for almost five months, has not been occupied following the elevation of the then deputy Chief Justice, Flavian Zeija to Chief Justice.
The newly appointed Deputy Chief Justice was born in Mwera village in Busiro, Wakiso in 1963 and studied Bachelor of Laws at Makerere University from 1984 before joining Law Development Center from 1987 to 1988. He was mastered in taxation and for 13 years, he worked at URA, 7 of which, he was lecturing at Uganda Christian University. Upon appointment to the High Court, he has worked in Kabale, Masaka, and Mubende.
If confirmed by Parliament, Justice Kazibwe will deputise Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, overseeing the Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court, while playing a central role in supervising judicial officers and guiding ongoing court reforms.
The appointment comes as Uganda’s judiciary steps up efforts to reduce case backlog, handle election petitions and commercial disputes, and roll out digital court reforms. “Justice Kazibwe is a seasoned appellate judge who has handled major constitutional and civil cases,” the PPU statement noted. “He is regarded within legal circles as an experienced and influential judicial officer.”
President Museveni also appointed Agnes Alum as Chief Registrar, one of the judiciary’s most senior administrative positions. The Chief Registrar manages day‑to‑day court administration, oversees registrars, and implements judicial policies. Alum, who has served in senior judicial administrative roles, is expected to help drive automation of court processes and improve efficiency and accountability.
The Office of Chief Registrar fell vacant after Sarah Langa Siu was appointed a High Court Judge last year. Ms. Pamela Lamunu Ocaya has been in acting capacity since then.
Hon. Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi at time of appointment has been Justice of the Court of Appeal of Uganda (also serves as member of the Constitutional Court). He has served as a High Court judge before his elevation to the Court of Appeal. Has handled major constitutional and civil cases over several years.
