The new chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, Justice Dr.Douglas Singiza has been sworn in.
Dr.Singiza replaced Justice Benjamin Kabiito who retired earlier this year.
Also sworn in during a function held at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala was the JSC deputy chairperson, Lady Justice Rosette Kania and Julius Mwebembezi, a commission member were sworn-in .
Speaking during the function, the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Nobert Mao warned the new Judicial Service Commission members of the task ahead.
“You have been thrown at the deep end of these things. I don’t think there is another commission under more scrutiny than JSC. People who are not recruited to the judiciary will accuse you of corruption, sectarianism and breaking of the 10 commandments. However, your job is not to please anyone, but achieve your mandate under the constitution,” Mao said.
“It is important that you act independently. Your job is not just to advise the president but lay before him , the players out of a long list of people who apply. You will be accused of betraying colleagues but the Judicial Service Commission must exercise its mandate without interference.”
The outgoing Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera told the new members of the Judicial Service Commission that the job they have now taken on is to serve Ugandans and diligently.
“Your duty is to advise the president’s power to appoint, confirm, exercise disciplinary control and remove from office the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Principal Judge, Justices of the Suprme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Chief Registrar and the registrar. It is clear that your duty is an enormous one. Be ready for it,”Buteera said.
In his maiden speech, Justice Dr.Singiza said fighting corruption and implementing use of technology will be key on his agenda.
“The commission must confront the perception that judges, judicial officers and support staff are corrupt. We as the seventh commission intend to confront corruption head-on,” Justice Buteera said.
“As the seventh commission, we shall in addition take bold actions, for instance by sanctioning evidently errant judicial officers of whatever level and this will send a stronger message than research reports or barazas would ever achieve.”
