By KT Reporter
Dr. Douglas Singiza has officially taken oath as the new Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). He was sworn in alongside Lady Justice Rosette Kania Comfort, who assumes the role of deputy chairperson.
The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, took place at the Constitutional Court Conference Hall in Kampala on Tuesday evening. Also sworn in was Frank Musingwire from the Public Service Commission, who joins the JSC as a representative member.
In his maiden speech, Dr. Singiza—until recently a confirmed judge of the High Court—expressed deep gratitude for his appointment. He acknowledged the responsibility entrusted to him and committed to confronting corruption within the judiciary, describing it as a major impediment to justice. Singiza emphasized the need to build upon the achievements of past commissions, which include improvements in remuneration, institutional structures, and budget allocation.
He pledged to prioritize technological adoption within the judiciary to boost transparency and efficiency. He further identified inadequate use of technology and limited resources as significant challenges facing the commission. The JSC, he noted, will continue advising the Appointing Authority on appointments of justices, judges, and registrars, while giving greater focus to public education, research, and disciplining errant judicial officers.
Dr. Singiza also underscored the urgent need for an increased budget and more human resources to effectively supervise judicial staff. Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, while welcoming the new commission, noted that the judiciary continues to suffer from a shortage of both judicial and non-judicial personnel.
He urged the commission to help the judiciary close this human resource gap.
“I have no doubt that you are the right person for this position from your experience,” Buteera said, as he called on the commission to expedite disciplinary hearings against judicial officers.
Dr. Theopista Mary Wanene, Deputy Head of the Public Service Commission, speaking on behalf of Public Service Head Lucy Nakyobe, described the new members’ roles as a great responsibility. She urged them to prioritize transparency and integrity, especially in appointment processes, and to uphold the principle of merit in all decisions.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao reminded the newly sworn-in commissioners that their constitutional duty is not to please any individual but to fulfill the mandate of the commission with professionalism. He noted that the Uganda Law Society (ULS), particularly the Radical New Bar, as well as the public, would be closely watching their performance.
Mao congratulated Dr. Singiza and Justice Kania, commending their judicial work. “I enjoy reading your judgments. They are scholarly and well-reasoned,” he said. Dr. Singiza replaces Justice Benjamin Kabito, whose term of office, along with other commission members, ended on January 21, 2025. The swearing-in comes amidst controversy between the judiciary and lawyers over ULS representation on the JSC.
The High Court had earlier ordered fresh elections for new ULS representatives, but Justice Musa Ssekaana later blocked the exercise. Before going into exile, ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde warned of a legal lacuna if the society remained unrepresented on the commission. The Judicial Service Commission, established under Article 146 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, is mandated to recruit judicial officers and regulate their conduct. The nine-member commission plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of justice administration in the country-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
