Kampala – The Seventh Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has launched its Third Strategic Plan (2025/26–2029/30), alongside a new Client Charter and Service Delivery Standards, in a move aimed at strengthening accountability, improving service delivery, and enhancing public confidence in the administration of justice.
The launch was held on Thursday at the Supreme Court Board Room at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala and brought together leaders from the Judiciary, government agencies, civil society organisations and other justice sector stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with the Judicial Service Commission, describing it as a key stakeholder that bridges the gap between the Judiciary and the public.
“The Judicial Service Commission handles complaints from members of the public about judicial officers. It serves as a link between the Judiciary and the public, making it one of our primary stakeholders,” Justice Zeija said.
He stressed that the Judiciary has zero tolerance for laziness and misconduct, pledging full support to the Commission in investigating complaints against judicial officers.
The Chief Justice also announced that the Judiciary will soon begin publishing the periodic performance of judicial officers on its website to enhance transparency and public accountability.
“The power we hold as judicial officers is derived from the people of Uganda, and therefore we are accountable to them,” he said. “Institutionally, we must ensure the proper utilisation of resources allocated to the Judiciary. I am pleased to report that we have expanded the physical presence of courts across the country and strengthened the operational capacity of courts and registries.”
Justice Zeija further pledged that the Judiciary would provide free Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hosting services for the Commission’s digital innovations to improve operational efficiency.
The Attorney General, Hon. Sam Mayanja commended his predecessor, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, for his contribution to the office and pledged to build on his legacy.
He also committed to engaging all key stakeholders to resolve the ongoing impasse between the Judiciary and the Uganda Law Society (ULS), which has left two positions on the Judicial Service Commission vacant.
“We shall sit with the Chief Justice and other stakeholders to find a solution to this impasse. We have already written to you, My Lord, and I hope you have received the letter. This country belongs to all of us, and we must move together as one without anyone insisting on working alone,” Mayanja said.
The Chairperson of the Seventh Judicial Service Commission, Dr. Douglas Singiza, highlighted the Commission’s achievements, challenges, reforms and future priorities aimed at strengthening service delivery.
He said the Commission had strengthened its oversight role by revamping its anti-corruption strategy to promote integrity both among judicial officers and within the Commission itself.
“Our anti-corruption strategy focuses not only on those we appoint into office but also on ensuring that we, as a Commission, uphold the highest ethical standards in the way we conduct our business at every level,” Dr. Singiza said.
He also noted that several members of the current Judiciary leadership, including the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice and the Chief Registrar, were appointed through the Seventh Judicial Service Commission.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Secretariat for Peace and Governance, civil society organisations, the Judiciary and other key justice sector stakeholders.
