Justice Singiza appointed Chairperson of Judicial Service Commission
In the same communication, President Museveni appointed Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, another High Court judge, as Deputy Chairperson of the commission. She replaces Justice Faith Mwondha, whose term had expired.
President Yoweri Museveni has appointed High Court Judge, Justice Dr. Douglas Karekona Singiza, as the new Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the body responsible for recruiting and disciplining judicial officers.
Justice Singiza takes over from Justice Benjamin Kabiito, whose tenure recently ended. His appointment was formally communicated to Speaker of Parliament Anita Among through a letter dated February 25, 2025, according to sources close to the presidency.
In the same communication, President Museveni appointed Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, another High Court judge, as Deputy Chairperson of the commission. She replaces Justice Faith Mwondha, whose term had expired.
The JSC, established under Article 146 of the Constitution, plays a vital role in ensuring transparency and discipline within the judiciary. The commission, composed of nine members, oversees the recruitment and accountability of judicial officers across the country.
Born in 1969 in Mitooma District, Justice Singiza boasts an impressive academic background. He holds a Doctor of Laws (LLD) in Public Law from the University of the Western Cape, a Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights from the University of Pretoria, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University.
At 56, he has presided over several high-profile cases, including the habeas corpus application of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, which he dismissed on grounds that the matter had been overtaken by events. His rulings have sometimes drawn debate, but he has defended them against public criticism. Justice Singiza is also widely recognized for his expertise in governance, federalism, and decentralization, gaining both regional and international recognition.
Justice Singiza began his judicial career in 1994 as a pupil magistrate and has since served in various capacities, including as Secretary to the Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters, Personal Assistant to former Principal Judge Yorokamu Bamwine, and later as a High Court Judge, a position he was appointed to in 2022.
His decision to pursue law was inspired by the late Supreme Court Justice Alfred N. Karokora, whom he met while studying at Mbarara High School. As he assumes leadership of the Judicial Service Commission, Justice Singiza is expected to play a key role in strengthening Uganda’s judicial system, ensuring integrity and efficiency in judicial appointments and disciplinary proceedings.
