Speaking on the SalamJudiciary show hosted by Mariam Businge, Counsel Ivan Ndugwa and Counsel Hajira Naula of the JSC outlined the Commission’s constitutional mandate and ongoing reforms aimed at improving service delivery within the courts.
Established under Article 146 of the 1995 Constitution, the JSC is composed of nine commissioners appointed by the President as provided for under Article 147. Its mandate, derived from Article 148, includes recruiting judicial officers and overseeing their conduct.
The Commission is responsible for recruiting lower court judicial officers, including Grade One Magistrates and Chief Magistrates. Applicants for the position of Grade One Magistrate are required to hold a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, while Chief Magistrates must have at least eight years of experience.
For superior courts, the JSC recommends candidates for appointment as High Court and Supreme Court judges to the President, in line with constitutional requirements.
Counsel Ndugwa said recruitment of judicial officers has become more consistent, with increasing numbers of officers appointed across the country.
He added that the Commission uses competence tests, legal training, and continuous professional development programmes conducted through the Judicial Training Institute to ensure that judicial officers meet the required standards.
The JSC also plays a key role in handling disciplinary matters involving judicial officers accused of misconduct, including bribery, corruption, impartiality, and other forms of indiscipline.
Possible sanctions include dismissal, demotion, or fines, depending on the severity of the offence.
Counsel Naula explained that disciplinary matters involving judges appointed by the government are forwarded to the President for a final decision.
“The Judicial Service Commission plays a role in combating corruption among members of the judiciary and ensuring that public confidence in the courts is maintained,” she said.
To improve coordination and avoid duplication of responsibilities, the Commission works with institutions including the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Inspectorate of Government (IGG), Police, and Prisons.
The JSC also conducts compliance inspections through unannounced visits to courts across the country to assess performance, identify challenges, and address weaknesses affecting justice delivery.
The Commission said it also provides information to the public about judicial operations and equips judicial officers with new approaches to improve access to justice.
“We are transparent and independent in executing our mandate, especially during recruitment,” Counsel Ndugwa said.
Members of the public seeking to report complaints about services provided by judicial officers can contact the Commission through its toll-free lines, 0800100222 and 0800100221.
The JSC said its continued collaboration with other government agencies is aimed at improving access to information, reducing costs, and ensuring justice services are more accessible to Ugandans.