ULS Demands JSC Chair Dr. Singiza’s Resignation Over Endorsement of Gen. Muhoozi’s Candidature

By Ben Musanje

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for the immediate resignation of Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Chairperson Dr Douglas Singiza Karekona after he reportedly endorsed the candidature of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba at the headquarters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).

In a holding statement issued on Wednesday, ULS President and Head of the Bar, Isaac K. Ssemakadde, said Dr. Singiza’s appearance at the PLU headquarters raised concerns about judicial independence, impartiality and compliance with the constitutional requirements governing the conduct of judicial officers.

The society also renewed its demand for the Constitutional Court to urgently hear a petition challenging Dr. Singiza’s appointment, arguing that his alleged political involvement undermines public confidence in the Judicial Service Commission.

ULS said it filed Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025 on July 4, 2025, seeking to nullify Dr. Singiza’s appointment on grounds that he allegedly did not meet the constitutional requirement of “high moral character and proven integrity” under Article 146(5) of the Constitution.

The society further contends that Dr. Singiza should have retired from the Judiciary after accepting a full-time appointment outside it for more than three years, citing Section 20(3) of the Administration of the Judiciary Act.

On July 8, 2025, ULS also filed an urgent application seeking to restrain the commission from operating under Dr. Singiza pending the resolution of the dispute.

The society criticised the Constitutional Court’s delay in hearing the petition and application, saying the absence of a determination had allowed Dr. Singiza to remain in office and continue conducting the commission’s business.

ULS raises concerns over judicial independence

The lawyers’ body argued that Dr. Singiza’s reported endorsement of General Kainerugaba’s candidature was inconsistent with the standards of impartiality expected of a person heading the body responsible for key aspects of judicial appointments and discipline.

ULS cited Article 128 of the Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the Judiciary, as well as Articles 146 and 147, which establish the Judicial Service Commission’s role in safeguarding that independence.

It also invoked the Judicial Code of Conduct and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, which emphasise impartiality and the need for judges to avoid political activity.

According to ULS, the JSC chairperson bears a particular responsibility to uphold these standards because of the commission’s influence over the appointment and discipline of judicial officers.

The society questioned how litigants and judicial officers would perceive the commission’s impartiality if its chairperson openly associated himself with a political organisation and endorsed a political candidature.

PLU’s legal status challenged

ULS also questioned the legal status of the Patriotic League of Uganda, describing it as an unregistered political organisation allegedly operating in defiance of constitutional provisions.

The society argued that the organisation’s association with General Kainerugaba, who serves as Chief of Defence Forces, raised additional concerns under Article 208(2) of the Constitution, which requires the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to remain non-partisan and subordinate to civilian authority.

It further cited the UPDF Act, which it says bars serving military officers from active partisan politics, and referred to Executive Order RNB No. 13 of 2026.

The claims regarding the PLU’s legal status and the alleged violations have been advanced by ULS in its statement and should be distinguished from any determination by a competent court or other relevant authority.

Society sets out demands

ULS outlined six demands in response to Dr Singiza’s reported appearance at the PLU headquarters.

First, it called for Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025 and Constitutional Application No. 11 of 2025 to be urgently scheduled for hearing during the Constitutional Court session expected on November 3–4, 2026.

Second, it demanded Dr Singiza’s immediate resignation as chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission.

Third, the society called on the Chief Justice to publicly clarify the Judiciary’s position on judicial officers attending the premises or functions of political organisations.

It also urged the Uganda Judicial Officers Association to condemn Dr Singiza’s reported conduct and support calls for his resignation.

In addition, ULS called on the Electoral Commission, the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions to take action over what it described as the PLU’s continued illegal operations.

The society further urged Speaker of Parliament Oboth Oboth, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and other public office holders to distance themselves from the organisation.

Constitutional dispute remains unresolved

ULS said it would continue to oppose actions it considers a threat to judicial independence, insisting that public confidence in the Judiciary depends on the impartiality of those responsible for appointing and overseeing judicial officers.

The central issues now include the pending court challenge to Dr Singiza’s appointment, the implications of his reported political endorsement for the standards expected of the JSC chairperson, and the legal questions ULS has raised about the PLU.

The Constitutional Court’s handling of the pending petition and application is expected to be a key development in the dispute, with ULS calling for both matters to be heard during the November 3–4 session.

The statement did not include a response from Dr Singiza, the Judicial Service Commission, the PLU or the other institutions named in the society’s demands. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).