Kampala Uganda: 28 October 2026– The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly condemned the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, Dr. Douglas Karekona Singiza, following his public endorsement of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, demanding his immediate resignation.
In a holding statement issued on October 28, 2026, and signed by ULS President and Head of the Bar, Isaac K. Ssemakadde, the society blasted Dr. Singiza for presenting himself at the PLU headquarters earlier that morning to endorse the candidature of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The ULS pointed out that Dr. Singiza’s actions flagrantly violate multiple principles of judicial integrity and constitutional law. According to the statement:
Article 128 of the Constitution guarantees the independence of the Judiciary, free from control or direction by any authority, with the Judicial Service Commission serving as its gatekeeper under Articles 146 and 147.
The Judicial Code of Conduct and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct strictly mandate judges to be impartial, be seen to be impartial, and refrain from political activity.
The ULS stressed that the Chairperson of the Commission bears these obligations most heavily, as the public confidence reposed in every recruited or disciplined judicial officer ultimately stems from the Commission head.
Furthermore, the ULS characterized the PLU as an illegal, unregistered political organization led by a serving military officer—General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces—which they argue violates Article 208(2) of the Constitution and the UPDF Act (Cap. 330) regarding partisan politics for active-serving officers.
The latest development builds on an ongoing legal battle initiated by the ULS. On July 4, 2025, the ULS filed Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025 seeking to nullify Dr. Singiza’s appointment on grounds that he lacks “high moral character and proven integrity” under Article 146(5) of the Constitution and failed to retire from the Judiciary upon accepting a full-time outside appointment exceeding three years.
Additionally, an urgent application filed on July 8, 2025, sought to restrain the Judicial Service Commission from operating under Dr. Singiza. The ULS blamed court delays for emboldening Dr. Singiza to continue transacting business in defiance of the Constitution.
Key Demands by the Uganda Law Society
The ULS has outlined several urgent demands to safeguard the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary:
Urgent Court Hearing: Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025 and Constitutional Application No. 11 of 2025 should be urgently fixed for hearing during the session on November 3–4, 2026.
Immediate Resignation: Dr. Douglas Singiza must immediately step down as Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission.
Judiciary Stance: The Chief Justice should publicly state the Judiciary’s position regarding judicial officers attending premises and functions of political organizations.
Professional Support: The Uganda Judicial Officers Association is called upon to condemn Dr. Singiza and support the call for his resignation.
Enforcement Action: The Electoral Commission, Attorney General, and Director of Public Prosecutions must act on the continued illegal operations of the PLU.
Public Officials: Speaker Hon. Oboth Oboth, Deputy Speaker Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, and any other public office holders must immediately purge themselves from the PLU.
The ULS concluded with a stern warning that it will not allow the hallowed independence of the judiciary to be marred by anyone, particularly Dr. Singiza.
