Uganda Law Society: Demands Singiza Resignation Over Muhoozi Endorsement

• The Uganda Law Society has demanded the resignation of Dr. Douglas Singiza, Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission.
• This demand follows Dr. Singiza's alleged endorsement of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba's presidential ambitions at the Patriotic League of Uganda headquarters.
• The ULS argues Singiza's actions undermine judicial impartiality and public confidence, citing the Judicial Code of Conduct and constitutional protections.
• The Society has filed Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025, challenging Singiza's appointment based on moral character and adherence to retirement rules.
• An urgent application seeks to restrain the Judicial Service Commission from operating under Singiza, with a hearing requested for November 3 and 4, 2026.

The Uganda Law Society asserts that Dr. Singiza's alleged involvement in PLU activities significantly erodes public trust in the Judiciary, an institution whose independence is explicitly safeguarded by Article 128 of the Constitution.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has formally called for the resignation of Dr. Douglas Singiza, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission. This demand stems from allegations that Dr. Singiza publicly endorsed General Muhoozi Kainerugaba's presidential aspirations, an action the ULS contends compromises the political neutrality expected of a high-ranking judicial official. Isaac K. Ssemakadde, the ULS President and a prominent figure among Uganda's exiled legal community, issued a statement detailing that Dr. Singiza was observed at the headquarters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), where he reportedly offered his support for Kainerugaba, who is the nation's serving Chief of Defence Forces, to assume political leadership.

Visual evidence supporting these claims has circulated widely on social media platforms, including a photograph depicting Justice Dr. Douglas Singiza alongside MP Michael Kabanda. The image reportedly shows Mwanda receiving Dr. Singiza at the PLU offices located in Kampala. While Dr. Singiza has not publicly confirmed or denied the visit, the PLU later downplayed the event, characterizing it as a routine visit to a Ugandan organization. This controversy unfolds amidst an active campaign by PLU supporters advocating for Kainerugaba's candidacy in the 2031 presidential election. Adding another layer to the political landscape, PLU official and Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda announced on Tuesday 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, though the specifics of this alleged endorsement were not elaborated upon.

The Uganda Law Society asserts that Dr. Singiza's alleged involvement in PLU activities significantly erodes public trust in the Judiciary, an institution whose independence is explicitly safeguarded by Article 128 of the Constitution. ULS President Ssemakadde highlighted that both the Judicial Code of Conduct and the internationally recognized Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct mandate judges to maintain impartiality, to be perceived as impartial, and to abstain from political engagement. The ULS argues that the chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission bears an especially critical responsibility for upholding public confidence, given the commission's pivotal role in the recruitment and disciplinary processes for judicial officers.

The Judicial Service Commission is tasked with recommending individuals for appointment to judicial positions and overseeing disciplinary matters involving members of the judiciary. Consequently, the ULS insists that the conduct of the commission's chairperson must exemplify the highest standards of impartiality to ensure the integrity of these vital functions. The demand for Dr. Douglas Singiza's resignation is thus deeply rooted in concerns over maintaining the integrity and perceived neutrality of the judicial system, particularly in light of the Muhoozi Kainerugaba endorsement controversy.

Beyond the immediate call for resignation, Dr. Singiza is also facing a distinct legal challenge concerning the legitimacy of his appointment. The Uganda Law Society initiated Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025 on July 4, 2025, contending that Dr. Singiza does not fulfill the constitutional prerequisites for high moral character and proven integrity. Furthermore, the petition argues that he ought to have retired from the Judiciary after accepting a full-time appointment outside the judicial system for a period exceeding three years, a situation that the ULS claims contravenes the provisions of the Administration of the Judiciary Act.

To address the urgency of the situation, the ULS filed an additional application on July 8, 2025, seeking an injunction to prevent the Judicial Service Commission from continuing its operations under Dr. Singiza's leadership while the primary challenge remains unresolved. The ULS has formally requested that the Constitutional Court prioritize the hearing of both the main petition and the urgent application during its scheduled session on November 3 and 4, 2026. This legal action represents a significant Uganda judicial independence challenge, directly questioning the qualifications and conduct of a key figure within the judicial appointment body.

The ULS's actions extend beyond Dr. Singiza's individual case, encompassing broader calls for accountability and clarity within Uganda's judicial system. The Society has urged the Chief Justice to issue a public clarification regarding the official stance of the Judiciary on its officers attending the premises or functions of political organizations. Additionally, the ULS has appealed to the Uganda Judicial Officers Association to publicly condemn Dr. Singiza's conduct and to support the Uganda Law Society Singiza resignation demand.

Moreover, the ULS is not only challenging Dr. Singiza's actions but also the legal standing of the Patriotic League of Uganda itself. The Society characterizes the PLU as an unregistered political organization, notably led by a serving military officer, which it argues raises constitutional concerns, specifically referencing Article 208(2) of the Constitution. This multi-faceted challenge underscores the ongoing scrutiny of judicial integrity and political neutrality in Uganda, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining public confidence in the impartiality of the courts and the bodies responsible for overseeing them.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Uganda should monitor the outcome of Constitutional Petition No. 12 of 2025, as the challenge to Dr. Douglas Singiza's appointment and conduct could impact the legitimacy of Judicial Service Commission decisions regarding judicial appointments and disciplinary actions. This case underscores the critical importance of judicial impartiality and adherence to the Judicial Code of Conduct, which may influence future legal arguments concerning judicial integrity.

Source: Reporting on Ugandan legal developments.