Mayanja said he had already started efforts to mend the strained relationship by engaging Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija over challenges affecting collaboration between the Judiciary and lawyers.
“I have already started the process of restoring the relationship between the Judiciary and the legal profession because a strong partnership is necessary for justice to be administered effectively,” Mayanja said.
He made the remarks on Friday while officiating at the launch of the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) Strategic Plan III, covering the period 2025/2026 to 2029/2030, alongside the Commission’s Service Delivery Standards and Clients’ Charter.
The documents are intended to strengthen justice delivery, improve accountability and enhance partnerships among institutions involved in the administration of justice.
The launch comes amid a standoff between the Judiciary and ULS, which has left two positions reserved for representatives of the legal profession on the Judicial Service Commission vacant.
The JSC has called on the warring parties to resolve the impasse to allow the appointments to be made and ensure the Commission operates effectively.
Mayanja, who is a newly appointed Attorney General and an ex-officio member of the JSC, said Chief Justice Zeija had scheduled a meeting for July 27, 2026, involving the Judiciary, ULS and government representatives to address the dispute.
He said lawyers remain key players in the justice system and warned that continued tensions could undermine public confidence and investor trust.
“Lawyers are key stakeholders in the administration of justice. We must restore mutual trust and cooperation so that the justice system serves the public efficiently,” he said.
The Attorney General noted that although the legal profession is entitled to two representatives on the Judicial Service Commission, the positions remain vacant following disagreements involving ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde and some judicial officers.
He said restoring cordial relations would allow the legal profession to regain representation on the Commission.
Mayanja also said he would brief President Yoweri Museveni once relations improve so that government can honour its earlier commitment to support completion of the Uganda Law Society headquarters.
“Once this relationship is rebuilt, I will brief the President so that the government’s pledge to support the completion of the Uganda Law Society building can be fulfilled,” he said.
Chief Justice Zeija urged the Judicial Service Commission to maintain merit-based recruitment and promotion within the Judiciary while taking a firm stance against corruption.
“Appointments should be based on competence and qualifications. Judicial officers found culpable of corruption must face firm disciplinary action,” Zeija said.
He also challenged the Commission to establish a public performance reporting system that rewards outstanding judicial officers while identifying those whose performance requires improvement.
JSC Chairperson Justice Douglas Singiza said the Commission remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional mandate despite operational challenges.
Meanwhile, JSC Deputy Chairperson Justice Rosette Comfort Kania revealed that the Commission had received 576 complaints against judicial officers and other individuals.
She said 397 complaints had been handled, while about 200 remained under investigation.
Kania cited inadequate funding, difficulties in securing witnesses and incomplete documentation from complainants among the major challenges affecting the Commission’s work.
The Strategic Plan was launched at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala and attended by High Court judges and other judicial officials.