The Uganda Law Society has called for the resignation of Dr Douglas Singiza as chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, citing concerns over his alleged endorsement of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba's presidential ambitions. This demand follows a photograph circulating on social media showing Singiza with MP Michael Mawanda at the Patriotic League of Uganda offices in Kampala.
The Uganda Law Society president, Isaac K. Ssemakadde, argued that Singiza's appearance at the headquarters of the Patriotic League of Uganda and endorsement of a serving military officer for political leadership raise questions about the political neutrality expected of a senior judicial office holder. Ssemakadde questioned how Singiza could participate in activities associated with a political organisation while heading a commission responsible for key aspects of judicial appointments and discipline.
The dispute comes amid a campaign by Patriotic League of Uganda supporters to endorse Muhoozi for the 2031 presidential election. On Tuesday, PLU official and Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda announced that President Yoweri Museveni had endorsed his son during a meeting of the ruling National Resistance Movement's Central Executive Committee at State House, Entebbe. However, Kabanda did not explain the nature or scope of the reported endorsement.
The Uganda Law Society has filed Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025, arguing that Singiza does not meet the constitutional requirement of high moral character and proven integrity. It also contends that Singiza should have retired from the Judiciary after accepting a full-time appointment outside it for more than three years, contrary to the Administration of the Judiciary Act.
Beyond Singiza's conduct, the Uganda Law Society is challenging the legal status of the Patriotic League of Uganda, which it 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.
The Uganda Law Society wants the petition and application scheduled for hearing during the Constitutional court session set for November 3 and 4, 2026. The society has also asked the Chief Justice to clarify publicly the Judiciary's position on judicial officers attending the premises or functions of political organisations. It wants the Uganda Judicial Officers Association to condemn Singiza's alleged conduct and support its demand for his resignation.
Key points raised by the Uganda Law Society include that Singiza's alleged participation in Patriotic League of Uganda activities undermines public confidence in the Judiciary, whose independence is protected under Article 128 of the Constitution. The society argues that the commission's leadership should meet the highest standards of impartiality, given its responsibility to recommend persons for appointment to judicial office and deal with disciplinary matters involving judicial officers.
Key points
- The Uganda Law Society demands Justice Singiza's resignation over alleged endorsement of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba's presidential ambitions.
- Singiza's alleged participation in PLU activities undermines public confidence in the Judiciary.
- The society challenges the legal status of PLU, describing it as an unregistered political organisation led by a serving military officer.
