MK Endorsement Triggers ULS Offensive! Ssemakadde Goes for Singiza’s Head, Demands His Resignation Over Judicial Independence 

By Aggrey Baba

Following his endorsement of first son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s 2031 candidature at the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Judicial Service Commission Chairperson Dr Douglas Singiza is once again facing pressure to resign, this time with the Uganda Law Society (ULS) accusing him of compromizing judicial independence and demanding urgent court hearings into the legality of his appointment.

ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde has demanded Singiza’s immediate resignation, arguing that his participation in partisan politics raises questions about the impartiality expected of a leader entrusted with overseeing the recruitment and discipline of judicial officers.

In a hard-hitting statement issued on Wednesday, October 28 and seen by Mulengera News, ULS also accused the Constitutional Court of delaying the resolution of two cases challenging Singiza’s appointment, saying the delay has allowed him to remain in office despite the unresolved legal dispute.

ULS filed Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025 on July 4, 2025, seeking to nullify Singiza’s appointment on grounds that he lacks the “high moral character and proven integrity” required under Article 146(5) of the Constitution.

ULS further argues that Singiza should have retired from the Judiciary after accepting a full-time appointment outside it for a period exceeding three years, contrary to Section 20(3) of the Administration of the Judiciary Act.

On July 8, 2025, the society filed an urgent application asking the Constitutional Court to restrain the Judicial Service Commission from operating under Singiza’s leadership.

More than a year later, ULS says the cases remain unresolved and wants Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025 and Constitutional Application No. 11 of 2025 urgently fixed for hearing during the court session scheduled for November 3 and 4, 2026.

They argue that Singiza’s endorsement of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) has heightened concerns about the independence of an institution whose mandate is central to public confidence in the Judiciary.

Citing Article 128 of the Constitution, which guarantees judicial independence, ULS says the chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission bears a particularly heavy responsibility to uphold impartiality.

It argues that the Judicial Code of Conduct and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct require judicial officers to remain impartial and refrain from political activity.

ULS warns that the controversy has implications for the credibility of judicial appointments, arguing that litigants and judicial officers must have confidence that decisions concerning the recruitment, promotion and discipline of judicial officers are made independently of partisan political interests.

The society has consequently demanded that Chief Justice Flavian Zeija publicly clarify the Judiciary’s position on judicial officers attending the premises and functions of political cliques.

It has also called on the Uganda Judicial Officers Association to condemn Dr Singiza’s conduct and support its demand for his immediate resignation. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).