The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The Judicial Service Commission has kicked off the search process for the next Deputy Chief (DCJ) Justice to replace Steven Kavuma whose term ends in September this year. The commission has advertised the highly regarded position and a few justices have been tipped for the job.
Article 143 (1b) of the Constitution stipulates that a person shall be qualified for appointment as deputy chief justice or principal judge if he or she has served as a justice of the Supreme court, a justice Court of Appeal, a judge of the High court or a court of similar jurisdiction to such a court.
When Kavuma eventually leaves office, it will be the end of a judicial career dogged by controversy. He was regarded by many as a cadre judge, always at hand to do the State’s bidding in various rulings against the opposition, earning him the middle name “interim order”.
Some legal experts have called for an open voting process for the next DCJ to ensure utmost transparency. Justices Frederick Egonda-Ntende, Remmy Kasule, Geoffrey Kiryabwire are some of the possible replacements cited.
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editor@independent.co.ug
Open and tv live broadcast of interviews for candidates should be applied. It happened in Kenya when the search for CJ and DCJ and some credibile process was observed. No harm to be transparent and open to public opinions.