KAMPALA, Uganda | The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued an Executive Order, aimed at recalling unelected representatives, reforming internal governance, and advocating for substantial judicial reforms. This action follows the recent High Court ruling in Kalali Steven v. Uganda Law Society, which found that appointing ULS representatives to statutory bodies without elections violated the ULS Act and Election Regulations.

A key provision of the Executive Order is the immediate recall of long-serving unelected representatives, such as Ruth Sebatindira and Norah Matovu Winyi, who have held positions on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) since 2016 without undergoing member elections. According to the ULS, this measure is essential for restoring democratic principles within the society and ensuring that leadership appointments are made through transparent and fair elections.

In addition to recalling unelected representatives, the ULS has announced that fresh elections for representatives to statutory bodies will be held by December 2024. These elections are crucial for reinstating democratic legitimacy within the society, offering ULS members the opportunity to directly elect their representatives to critical bodies, including the JSC. By committing to an open and transparent electoral process, the ULS is ensuring that its members have a direct voice in leadership appointments.

The Executive Order also addresses long-standing concerns within Uganda’s Judiciary. The ULS is advocating for a “radical surgery” of both the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission, calling for merit-based appointments and increased transparency in the recruitment process. The ULS emphasizes that judicial appointments should be free from political interference and nepotism, prioritizing competence, ethics, and experience over personal connections.

The order raises urgent concerns about recent judicial appointments that, according to the ULS, have disregarded the principles of merit and fairness. The society is urging the President, Parliament, and the JSC to review these appointments and take corrective action where necessary. This stance reflects the ULS’s broader commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Uganda’s legal system by ensuring that judicial officers are appointed based on competence and ethical standards, not political expedience.

For many ULS members, Executive Order RNB No. 02 of 2024 represents a critical turning point in the society’s history and the wider legal landscape in Uganda. It signals a bold commitment by the new administration to internal reform and a wider push for accountability and transparency within the Judiciary. The order is more than a response to the court’s ruling—it is a proactive step toward building a legal system founded on fairness, merit, and democratic governance.