Museveni Praises Owiny-Dollo's Integrity and Judiciary Reforms at Acholi Homecoming

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hailed retired Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo for maintaining a spotless record free from corruption allegations during his tenure, despite frequent reports of graft in the judiciary.

Speaking at Owiny-Dollo’s homecoming celebrations on Saturday at Kaunda Parade Ground, Museveni highlighted three key qualities of the former CJ, including his pivotal role in demobilizing armed resistance in Acholi after the NRA’s 1986 takeover.

Museveni credited Owiny-Dollo with advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), enabling communities to settle disputes outside formal courts—a concept he long advocated but which gained traction under Owiny-Dollo’s leadership.

The event celebrated the Rocco Paco initiative, launched in 2024 by Owiny-Dollo and Olara Otunnu to revive Acholi’s social and economic landscape. Museveni pledged government backing, aligning it with NRM’s household wealth creation goals.

He advised Acholi leaders to promote high-value crops like coffee and cocoa over low-return options such as cotton and sugarcane.

In his address, Owiny-Dollo urged government collaboration for agricultural mechanization via household models, local bylaws to enforce crop shifts, and investor partnerships to transform the impoverished region within 5-10 years.

Director of Public Prosecutions Jane Frances Abodo praised Owiny-Dollo’s courage, integrity, and efforts to make justice accessible, while NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong called his career a model of dignified public service.

Owiny-Dollo retired on January 18 after reaching age 70, having served five years as Chief Justice since his 2020 appointment by Museveni.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)