The Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Norbert Mao has warned the new Judicial Service Commission members of a hard job ahead, but asked them never to please anyone .
“You have been thrown at the deep end of these things. I don’t think there is another commission under more scrutiny than JSC. You have to deal with the radical bar. People who are not recruited to the judiciary will accuse you of corruption, sectarianism and breaking of the 10 commandments. However, your job is not to please anyone, but achieve your mandate under the constitution,” Mao said.
The minister was on Tuesday speaking during the swearing-in of the new members of the Judicial Service Commission appointed recently by President Museveni.
Justice Dr.Douglas Singiza was sworn in as the new chairperson of the JSC to replace Justice Benjamin Kabiito who recently retired.
Lady Justice Rosette Kania and Julius Mwebembezi were sworn-in as deputy chairperson and member respectively.
Speaking on Tuesday, Minister Mao said the new members of the Judicial Service Commission should exercise independence as they make decision.
“It is our duty to get out of your way so that you do your job. It is important that you act independently. As a matter of fact, your job is not just to advise the president but lay before him , the players out of a long list of people who apply. You are going to have to deal with problems of historicals who have suffered with judiciary and want to be at the head of it,” Mao said.
“You will be accused of betraying colleagues but the Judicial Service Commission must exercise its mandate without interference.”
The Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera told the new members of the Judicial Service Commission that they have now assumed duty to serve Ugandans, urging them to live up to the expectations of the public.
“You have taken oath to exercise your function in accordance to constitution without fear or favour .The service you have to offer to Ugandans are defined by Article 147 of Constitution . Your duty is to advise the president’s power to appoint, confirm, exercise desiciplinary control and remove from office the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Principal Judge, Justices of the Suprme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Chief Registrar and the registrar. It is clear that your duty is an enormous one,”Buteera said.
He tasked the new members on ensuring that the right people are appointed to judiciary but also urged them to expedite disciplinary cases against judicial officers “ to ensure they are at ease while serving the public.”
The head of public service, Lucy Nakyobe urged the new members of the Judicial Service Commission to remain steadfast but also avoid being compromised while doing their work.
In his maiden speech, the new chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, Justice Dr.Douglas Singiza said his first task will be dealing with corrupt judicial officers.
"The commission must confront the perception that judges, judicial officers and support staff are corrupt. We as the seventh commission intend to confront corruption head-on," Dr.Singiza said.
He also promised to address the inadequate use of new technology , particularly in the recruitment of people seeking to join the judicial services and in disciplining those who may be sanctioned.
"We hope that the adoption of appropriate technology will not only make posts like this more transparent but help eliminate those persons who are not fit to be in judicial service."