The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for the resignation of Judge Douglas Singiza as Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, citing concerns over his reported endorsement of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba's presidential ambitions. According to ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde, Singiza's actions raise questions about his impartiality as a senior judicial office holder. The ULS argues that Singiza's participation in activities of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a group supporting Kainerugaba's bid, undermines public confidence in the Judiciary.
The controversy began when Singiza was seen at the headquarters of the PLU, where he allegedly endorsed Kainerugaba for political leadership. A picture circulating on social media shows Singiza with MP Michael Kabanda, who received him at the PLU offices in Kampala. While Singiza has not confirmed or denied the visit, PLU described it as a normal engagement with a Ugandan entity. The incident has sparked debate about the neutrality of judicial officers and the involvement of serving military personnel in partisan politics.
The ULS has filed a petition with the Constitutional Court, challenging Singiza's appointment and seeking to restrain the Judicial Service Commission from operating under his leadership. The Society argues that Singiza's conduct breaches the Judicial Code of Conduct and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, which require judges to be impartial and refrain from political activity. As chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, Singiza plays a central role in recruiting and disciplining judicial officers, making his impartiality crucial.
The ULS also questions Singiza's eligibility for the position, citing a constitutional requirement of high moral character and proven integrity. The Society filed Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025 on July 4, 2025, and an urgent application seeking to restrain the commission from operating under Singiza while the challenge is pending. The ULS wants the petition and application heard during the Constitutional Court session scheduled for November 3 and 4, 2026.
The dispute has drawn attention to the activities of PLU, which the ULS describes as an unregistered political organisation led by a serving military officer. The Society cites Article 208(2) of the Constitution, which requires the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces to remain non-partisan, and argues that PLU's activities raise questions about the restrictions governing serving military officers' involvement in partisan politics. The ULS has asked the Electoral Commission, the Attorney General, and the Director of Public Prosecutions to act on what it describes as PLU's illegal operations.
PLU's endorsement campaign has gained momentum, with several politicians and supporters publicly backing Kainerugaba's bid. Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze recently led a delegation of Tooro MPs to the organisation's Kampala offices to endorse Kainerugaba for the 2031 presidency. However, some figures within the ruling party have criticised the rush by ministers to endorse a presidential aspirant, with former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo questioning the trend.
The ULS demand for Singiza's resignation has sparked a renewed debate about judicial independence, political activity, and the constitutional obligations of public officers. The Society has also called on the Chief Justice to publicly clarify the Judiciary's position on judicial officers attending the premises or functions of political organisations. The outcome of the Constitutional Court petition and the ULS's demand for Singiza's resignation remain to be seen.
Key points
- The Uganda Law Society has called for Judge Douglas Singiza's resignation over his alleged endorsement of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba's presidential ambitions.
- The ULS argues that Singiza's actions undermine public confidence in the Judiciary and breach the Judicial Code of Conduct.
- The dispute has drawn attention to the activities of PLU, an organisation the ULS describes as unregistered and led by a serving military officer.
