New JSC boss vows to fight corruption in Judiciary

KAMPALA - Dr Douglas Singiza, who was sworn in as the new Judicial Service Commission (JSC) chairperson on Tuesday (April 8), has vowed to weed out corrupt elements within the Judiciary.

“As the members of the seventh commission, we intend to confront corruption within the Judiciary head-on. We shall take a bold action to sanction all errant judicial officers and Judiciary staff without fear or favour,” he said.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Court of Appeal in Kampala and was presided over by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera.

Justice minister Nobert Mao remarks. (All Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Singiza thanked President Yoweri Museveni for putting trust in him and promised to be faithful in the execution of his mandate.

In his speech, Singiza promised to build on the achievements of the sixth commission.

He also underscored the need to increase the budget of the commission and its human resource to effectively execute its mandate, which includes supervising judicial officers across the country.

Singiza thanked President Yoweri Museveni for putting trust in him and promised to be faithful in the execution of his mandate.

He received the news of his appointment on March 3 this year — only days after he had been appointed a substantive judge of the High Court.

Frank Muswingire taking oath

Deputy Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Chairperson Justice Rosette Comfort Karia taking oath.

"I am extremely humbled for the trust the appointing authority has put me. I promise that I will be faithful and fair to all in my service," said the new JSC boss.

He has succeeded retired judge Benjamin Kabiito.

'Right choice'

High Court Judge Rosette Comfort Kania was also sworn in as the deputy chairperson of the commission, replacing retired Supreme Court judge and former IGG Faith Mwondha.

Dr Rose Nassali Lukwago, the JSC permanent secretary, said the term of the sixth commission ended on January 21 this year. She said it performed very well, having recruited the highest number of judicial officers in Ugandan history and boldly fought against corruption among judicial officers.

Frank Musingwire was also sworn in as a member of the commission representing the Public Service Commission.

Hajji Badru Waggwa and Jimmy Okello are representing members of the public on the commission.

Other members of JSC include Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Supreme Court Judge Elizabeth Musoke.

The commission is supposed to be composed of nine members but the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has yet to appoint its two representatives to the constitutional body whose mandate is to recruit judicial officers and regulate their conduct.

Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera presided over the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Buteera urged the new commission to ensure that the right people are appointed in the Judiciary because people are entitled to a fair and speedy hearing of their cases.

“The services you have to offer to Ugandans are defined under Article 147 of the Constitution and I have no doubt that you are the right choice for this task,” he said.

Justice minister Norbert Mao commended Singiza for the scholarly judgments he has been making as High Court judge and spoke of the task ahead.

“I know that the job given to you is tough, but you must act independently for people to have confidence in our justice system,” he said.

Singiza at a glance

The new JSC chairperson's illustrious career spans over three decades.
 
Born in 1969 in Mitooma district, Singiza holds a Doctor of Laws (LLD) in Public Law, a Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University. 

He joined the Judiciary as a Grade Three magistrate and rose through the ranks up to the High Court.

Singiza's deputy, Kania, was the director of market supervision and compliance at the Capital Markets Authority in Uganda, before her subsequent appointment to the High Court.

She holds a master's degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from University College London and a bachelor's degree in law from Makerere University Kampala.