The newly sworn-in Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Justice Dr. Douglas Singiza, has pledged to intensify the fight against corruption within Uganda’s judiciary.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony attended by judicial officers from various court levels, members of the Judiciary’s Senior Management, and representatives from the Judicial Service Commission Dr. Singiza emphasized that the fight against corruption and the implementation of technology would be central to his agenda.
“The Commission must confront the perception that judges, judicial officers, and support staff are corrupt. As the seventh Commission, we intend to tackle corruption head-on,” said Justice Singiza.
He added that the Commission would take bold steps, including sanctioning evidently errant judicial officers at all levels, noting that such actions would send a stronger message than research reports or community meetings (barazas) ever could.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Norbert Mao, cautioned the new Commission members about the magnitude of their responsibilities.
“You have been thrown into the deep end. I don’t think there is any commission under more scrutiny than the JSC. Those who aren’t recruited into the judiciary will accuse you of corruption, sectarianism, and all manner of wrongdoing. But your job is not to please anyone—it is to fulfill your constitutional mandate,” Mao said.
He further urged the Commission to act independently and without fear or favor.
“Your job is not merely to advise the president but to present qualified candidates from a long list of applicants. You will be accused of betraying colleagues, but the Commission must carry out its duties without interference.”
Outgoing Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera reminded the new Commission members of the weight of their responsibility.
“Your duty is to advise the president in exercising powers of appointment, confirmation, disciplinary control, and removal of key judicial officers, including the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Principal Judge, Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, the Chief Registrar, and Registrars. This is an enormous responsibility be prepared,” Buteera said.
Last month, President Yoweri Museveni appointed High Court Judge Dr. Douglas Singiza as the new Chairperson of the JSC, replacing Justice Benjamin Isingoma Kabiito, whose tenure ended on January 21. Justice Rosette Comfort Kania was appointed Deputy Chairperson, succeeding Justice Faith Mwondha.
Established under Article 146 of the Ugandan Constitution, the Judicial Service Commission is responsible for the recruitment and discipline of judicial officers. As of January, five Commission officials had completed their terms, prompting the latest round of appointments. However, positions representing the Uganda Law Society previously held by Ruth Sebatindira and Norah Matovu Muwanga remain vacant.
Justice Singiza, 56, has recently garnered public attention for presiding over high-profile cases, including a habeas corpus application filed on behalf of detained opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye.
