The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has dropped the peri-wig by distancing itself from widely circulated reports regarding the appointment of Deputy Chief Justice, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justices of the Court of Appeal, and Judges of the High Court.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 7, the Commission said it had not released any official communication regarding such appointments and urged the public to disregard the information published in various media outlets.
"The Judicial Service Commission wishes to disassociate itself from these publications," the statement issued by Ms Maria Theresa Nabulya, the acting senior communications officer at JSC, reads in part.
The JSC's response comes nearly 24 hours after reports emerged that President Museveni had appointed Justice Flavian Zeija as Deputy Chief Justice, replacing Richard Buteera, who is set to retire in May.
Justice Zeija, who has been the Principal Judge of the High Court, was reported to be taking on the new role amid efforts to strengthen Uganda’s Judiciary.
"The Commission has established official channels through which all official communications are disseminated, including the official X account (@JSCUganda), the website (www.jsc.go.ug), and formal correspondence on official letterhead," the statement said.
"Any information not communicated through these official platforms should be disregarded as unauthorised."
Additionally, reports had named Justice Muzamil Mutangula Kibeedi as the replacement for Justice Esther Kisaakye on the Supreme Court bench.
Several other appointments were also listed, including eight justices to the Court of Appeal and 21 acting judges to the High Court, as well as the reappointment of Lady Justice Faridah Shamilah Bukirwa.
The Commission, however, made no reference to whether these appointments were under consideration or awaiting official confirmation. Instead, it regretted any confusion that the publications may have caused.
Ms Nabulya reiterated that all official announcements would be made through designated channels.
"We sincerely regret any confusion or inconvenience that may have arisen from these publications," she said.
While the JSC has distanced itself from the reports, there has been no direct response from the appointing authority, President Museveni, or the Judiciary on the matter.
