President Yoweri Museveni has appointed High Court Judge Dr. Douglas Karekona Singiza as the new Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), a body responsible for overseeing the recruitment and discipline of judicial officers in Uganda.

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.

Alongside Singiza, Justice Rosette Comfort Kania has been appointed as Deputy Chairperson of the JSC, stepping into the role previously held by Justice Faith Mwondha, who completed her term on the same date.

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, President 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.

Justice Singiza, 56, has gained prominence for handling high-profile legal matters, including a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. His appointment is expected to play a key role in strengthening judicial oversight and upholding integrity within Uganda’s legal system.