Uganda Law Society Demands Resignation of Judicial Service Commission Head Over Alleged Muhoozi Endorsement

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly demanded the resignation of Dr Douglas Singiza Karekona as chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission. According to the ULS, Singiza’s reported appearance at the headquarters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) compromises the political neutrality required of a senior judicial officer.

Led by president Isaac K. Ssemakadde, the society argues that participating in activities associated with a political organisation undermines public confidence in the Judiciary. The controversy stems from a widely circulated photograph showing Singiza alongside MP Michael Mawanda at the PLU offices in Kampala. The PLU has been actively campaigning to endorse Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the 2031 presidential election.

In response to the developments, the ULS has urged the Constitutional Court to urgently hear an ongoing petition challenging Singiza’s appointment. The legal challenge questions whether Singiza meets constitutional requirements for high moral character and integrity, while also seeking to block the commission from operating under his leadership.

The society emphasizes that judicial officers must strictly adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, which mandate absolute political impartiality. Beyond the judiciary, the ULS has raised legal questions regarding the status of the PLU itself, citing constitutional provisions that require the armed forces to remain non-partisan.

Read more details in the original report on The Observer.