By Mulengera Reporters
The race to replace Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeijah, who has since moved on to become Deputy Chief Justice, is on. And several candidates have applied to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), showing their interest in the 3rd most powerful job in the Ugandan Judiciary.
The PJ, among other things is mandated to supervise all Judges of the High Court and to an extent the other judicial officers below, in close collaboration with the Chief Registrar.
Sources close to the recruitment process say that, because PJ is such a very important position in the administration of justice, line Minister Norbert Mao (who some people want to become Speaker for the 12th Parliament) recently signaled the new JSC Chairman Dr. Douglas Singiza to give it priority.
The interview process is already in motion and reliable sources say that among those who have showed interest, the DPP Jane Frances Abodo and Justice Jane Kajuga are the front runners so far.
They are neck to neck but Abodo slightly has an upper hand because an impression has been created that she is the one the President, who is the ultimate appointing authority, would prefer.
Abodo also enjoys support of some powerful people at Parliament who also favor Supreme Court’s Mike Chibita to replace Chief Justice Owiny Dollo whose contract ends in January, while disfavoring Dr. Flavian Zeijah, another powerful contender.
On the other hand, Kajuga, a former prosecutor under Mike Chibita at ODPP, is being vigorously backed by some powerful leaders in the Judiciary at whose instigation she was made Ag. PJ, some months ago. This is a developing story that we intend to keep updating in the coming days and weeks. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
