The Judicial Service Commission (the Commission) is an independent agency of the state established under the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. It is a specialized appointing Commission enjoying broad oversight functions in relation to services delivered to the people by the Judiciary.  The mandate and functions of the Commission are defined under Articles 146-151 of the Constitution.

The Membership of the Commission is spelt out under Article 146 of the Constitution. It provides for a nine-member commission. The Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and the Members are all appointed by the President with approval of Parliament.  In summary, the composition of the Commission is as follows:

• A full time Chairperson who is a person qualified to be appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court;
• A Deputy Chairperson (part time)  who is a person qualified to be appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court;
• Six Members (part time) whose respective nomination is directly linked to specified stakeholder institutions, viz: the Public Service Commission, the Uganda Law Society, the Judiciary, the public (excluding lawyers).
• The Attorney General as an ex-officio Member of the Commission.
• The Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission is appointed by the President under Article 146 (8) of the Constitution. 

The delay in constituting a full Commission during FY 2005/06 affected the Commission’s business; the recruitment process for the judicial officers stalled on account of lack of quorum; and the hearing of disciplinary cases could not be handled due to the absence of the Disciplinary Committee of the Commission.  

3.1 Vision Statement
To establish an effective and efficient Judiciary in Uganda and to contribute to the promotion of law and order.

3.2 Mission Statement, Mandate and Functions:

3.2.1 The Mission:
To establish and maintain an independent and efficient machinery for administering justice for all in Uganda through recruiting and training Judicial Officers; and promotion of public awareness and access to justice.

3.2.2 Mandate and Functions
To advise His Excellency the President in the exercise of his powers to appoint persons to hold or act in any of the specified offices:
 Of the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, the Principal Judge,
 Justices of the Supreme Court, Justices of the Court of Appeal and the Judges of the High Court.
 Of the Chief Registrar and Registrars
 In addition; subject to the provisions of the Constitution to review and make recommendations on the terms and conditions of service of the Judges and Judicial Officers.
 To prepare and implement programmes for education and dissemination of information to Judicial Officers and the public about the law and administration of Justice in Uganda.
 To receive and process peoples recommendations and complaints concerning the Judiciary and the administration of Justice and there by acting as a link between the people and the Judiciary.
 To advise Government on improving the administration of justice and to perform any other functions prescribed by the Constitution or Parliament.