Justice Singiza new JSC chairperson

KAMPALA - President Yoweri Museveni has appointed High Court Judge Dr Douglas Karekona Singiza as chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The appointment, conveyed in a letter to the Speaker of Parliament dated February 25, comes as Justice Singiza replaces Justice Benjamin Isingoma Kabiito, whose tenure ended on January 21.

Besides Singiza, Justice Rosette Comfort Kania has also been appointed as deputy chairperson, stepping into the role previously held by Justice Faith Mwondha, who completed her term on the same date.

Prior to their appointment, Singiza served as a Judge of the Civil Division of the High Court, while Kania served as a judge of the Criminal Division of the High Court.

The JSC, established under Article 146 of the Ugandan Constitution, consists of nine members tasked with maintaining professionalism and accountability within the judiciary.

With the terms of five commissioners having expired in January, Museveni is moving to fill the vacant positions.

However, roles designated for representatives from the Uganda Law Society formerly held by Ruth Sebatindira and Norah Matovu Muwanga remain unfilled.

Who is Singiza

Singiza has an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Born in 1969 in Mitooma district, Singiza holds impressive academic credentials, including a PhD in public law from the University of Western Cape, a master's in human rights and democratisation from the University of Pretoria, and a bachelor's of laws from Makerere University.

Singiza's journey started at the level of a magistrate. He rose through the ranks, serving as chief magistrate at Buganda Road Court and later as secretary to the Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters.  In 2022, he was appointed as a High Court Judge.

As a High Court Judge, Singiza has presided over several high-profile cases, including the habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, which he dismissed.

He has also handled cases involving notable figures, such as novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija.

Singiza's expertise extends to multi-level governance, federalism, and decentralisation, earning him regional and international recognition. His appointment as the new Chairperson of JSC is expected to strengthen judicial oversight and uphold integrity within Uganda's legal system.

Kania

Before her appointment to the High Court, Kania served as the director of market supervision and compliance at the Capital Markets Authority in Uganda.

In this role, she ensured transparency and adherence to financial regulations within Uganda's capital markets sector.

Additionally, Justice Kania worked as a consultant for the East African Common Market Scorecard 2019, providing legal oversight and quality assurance for regional teams working on trade and integration across Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

She also contributed to implementing a regional bond market in East Africa as a Short-Term Technical Advisor for the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, showcasing her expertise in trade and investment law.

Justice Kania holds a Master's degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from University College London and a Bachelor's degree in Law from Makerere University Kampala.