The Kigezi sub-region is set to hold a special thanksgiving and homecoming celebration in honour of Uganda’s Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, bringing together leaders, residents and former students to celebrate his rise to the country’s highest judicial office.The celebration will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at St Mary’s College Rushoroza, an institution that played an important role in Dr Zeija’s early education and leadership development.
The event is expected to attract political leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, former students, former teachers and residents from across the Kigezi sub-region.Organisers say the gathering will provide an opportunity for people from the region to celebrate Dr Zeija’s appointment and recognise his contribution to Uganda’s judiciary and the wider community.Dr Zeija was appointed Chief Justice on January 22, 2026, after serving as Deputy Chief Justice. His appointment made him the first person from Kigezi to occupy the office of Chief Justice of Uganda.The appointment has therefore become a significant milestone for the region, with local leaders and members of the community preparing to welcome him back home for the thanksgiving ceremony.The celebration will also be part of the St Mary’s Day activities at St Mary’s College Rushoroza, creating an opportunity for former students to return to their old school and meet former classmates and teachers.Another major component of the event will be a fundraising campaign to support the completion of the school’s Mega Dining Hall.The dining hall project is expected to contribute to the welfare of students, and organisers are calling upon former students and well-wishers to support the initiative.St Mary’s College Rushoroza Head Teacher, Monday Christopher, has invited former students to participate in the celebrations and fundraising activities.Mr Christopher said the occasion would allow the school community to thank God for its achievements while celebrating Dr Zeija, one of the institution’s distinguished former students.
He also urged former students to see the event as an opportunity to reconnect with their former school and contribute to its development.Dr Zeija studied at St Mary’s College Rushoroza for six years, completing both his Ordinary and Advanced levels at the institution.During his time at the school, he served as head boy, giving him an early opportunity to exercise leadership and interact with both students and teachers.Former classmates have remembered him as a disciplined and unifying student who displayed leadership qualities long before entering his professional career.Margret Ahabwe, one of his former classmates, said the school and the Kigezi region have reason to celebrate Dr Zeija’s achievement.Ahabwe recalled that he helped strengthen the relationship between students and teachers and promoted unity among students during his time at the school.She also pointed to his commitment to hard work and discipline, saying his leadership qualities were already visible during his school days.The planned celebration has also received support from political leaders in the region.Eliab Mporera, the Member of Parliament for Ndorwa West and Chief Whip of the Kigezi MPs, said the occasion would allow residents to celebrate the achievement of someone from their own region.
Mporera said Dr Zeija’s rise to the leadership of Uganda’s judiciary demonstrates his educational background and professional journey in the legal field.He has also encouraged leaders from across Kigezi to attend the event, noting the important role St Mary’s College Rushoroza has played in educating prominent Ugandans.With preparations already underway in Kabale and Kampala, organisers are mobilising former students, leaders, residents and other well-wishers ahead of the October 18 ceremony.The event will bring together thanksgiving, homecoming, St Mary’s Day celebrations and fundraising, giving the Kigezi community and the school fraternity an opportunity to celebrate Dr Zeija while also supporting the continued development of his former school.
