JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION vii Judicial Officers (of all ranks), the Judicial Service Commission has set itself on a deliberate war path of intense investigation and robust adjudication of disciplinary complaints in and about the Judiciary. However, in its disciplinary crusade, the Judicial Service Commission must not lose sightof thecardinalneedtoobserveelementaryfairnessandtodispensebasicjustice dual elements which have been clearly underscored in the two recent Judgments that were handed down by the Constitutional Court in the course of the year under review [see Constitutional Petition No. 91 of 2012; in which, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Anup Singh Choudry, and His Worship, Chief Magistrate Richard Mafabi, successfully challenged the Commission’s procedure in their particular disciplinary cases]. The above notwithstanding, the mother of all “lows” for this Year (as in the previous two years) was, without a doubt, the prolonged, painful, and unprecedented non- appointment of a substantive Chief Justice, and a substantive Deputy Chief Justice for the Judiciary leaving the Third Arm of State all but orphaned: without a head and without a neck to stand on for support. History will look at this period of the Judicial interregnum with an unkind heart and unbelieving eyes. However, History will also study and read spell-bound the captivating Judgment of the Constitutional Court of this Country concerning the sad saga that engulfed the appointment of the Nation’s Chief Justice: namely, Constitutional Petition No 39 of 2013: Hon. We, at the Judicial Service Commission have a lot to learn from both the”highs”and the “lows” of the Year 2013-2014 in a bid to redouble our resolve and, even, to treble our efforts in order to keep the lofty standards so far achieved; and to make hefty improvements in the lowly areas where we still need to do better. You, the reader, you owe us a debt: to carefully and constructively critique the contents of this Report. May you find satisfaction and edification in reading the Report. Justice James Ogoola CHAIRPERSON JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 14 September 2014 JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION viii This report is prepared to inform all our stakeholders what we have been doing and what we managed to achieve in the twelve months from July 2013 to June 2014, in line with the public resources that were made available to us. This report is structured in four Chapters; each dealing with a pertinent area of our operations. The first Chapter exposes the legal basis and the purpose of our existence. It also explains our short, medium and long term objectives as well as the values that we hold dear in the day to day operations of the Commission.This Chapter also expounds the structures of the Commission by giving the details of the Directorates, Department and the staffing changes that occurred over the last twelve months. The second Chapter reports in a fairly detailed manner our performance in the FY 2013/2014, both in terms of the finances received and expended as well as the physical outputs delivered. We used these funds to identify and recommend for appointment; four acting Justices of the Supreme Court, one Chief Judge and one Judge of the Industrial Court, four High Court Judges, one Chief Registrar, two Registrars, 10 Deputy Registrars and two Assistant Registrars. We also appointed 11 Chief Magistrates, six Senior Principal Magistrates Grade I, one Principal Magistrate Grade I, one Senior Magistrate Grade I and 31 Magistrates Grade I. We also held 85 radio talk shows across the country, convened sensitization meetings in 45 sub counties, printed and disseminated 3,384 copies of the Citizens Handbook and translated the Citizens Handbook in Lugbara. We shall investigate 180 cases, hold 40 disciplinary committee meetings and two retreats,inspect courts in six magisterial areas,hold six anti corruption town hall meetings and print anti corruption IEC materials. The fourth Chapter narrates the challenges we faced during the year,some of which are enduring and are likely to continue. We also make some suggestions to address the challenges. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 1 1.1 Background The JSC is an independent Agency of the State established under Article 146 of 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 functions of the Commission are set out in Article 147 of the Constitution. 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 following constitutionally specified offices, namely: The Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice and the Principal Judge, The Justices of the Supreme Court, Justices of the Court of Appeal and the Judges of the High Court. The Chief Registrar and Registrars In addition, subject to the provisions of the Constitution, to: Appoint, confirm and promote Judicial Officers into various magisterial positions. Review and make recommendations on the terms and conditions of service of Judges and Judicial Officers. Prepare and implement programmes for the education of, and for the INTRODUCTION 1.0 CHAPTER I JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 2 dissemination of information to, Judicial Officers and the public about the law and administration of Justice in Uganda. Receive and process peoples’complaints and recommendations concerning the Judiciary and the administration of justice and generally to act as a link between the people and the Judiciary. Advise the Government on improving the administration of justice and perform any other functions prescribed by the Constitution or Parliament. The Commission may carry out other functions that Parliament may prescribe under Article 147 (1) of the Constitution. For example, under the Electricity Act 1999 (Section 94 and 112),the responsible Minister is required to consult the Commission in respect of the appointment of the Chairperson,Vice Chairperson and Registrar of the Electricity Disputes Tribunal. The Uganda Communications Act 1997 bestows upon the Commission powers to recommend to the President persons for appointment as Chairperson and Members of the Uganda Communications Tribunal. The Tax Appeals Tribunal Act requires the Minister responsible for Finance to consult with the Judicial Service Commission in appointing the Chairperson of the Tax Appeals Tribunal. The Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act, 2006 under section 10 (2) provides for the Chief Judge and the Judge of the Industrial Court to be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission. The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act as amended provides for the JSC Chairperson to be consulted by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development over the appointment of the Chairperson of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Appeal Tribunal. 1.4 Core Values Independence: Article 147(2) of the Constitution empowers the JSC to act independently without any direction or control of any person or authority. The Commission takes decisions that are free from external influences, inducements, pressures and threats. Impartiality: The JSC serves all persons without fear, favour, ill-will, or prejudice. It refrains itself from participating in actions or proceedings that JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 3 compromise the confidence of the court users and stakeholders in the justice system. Integrity: The Commission provides services that are reflective of the best practices that adhere to high moral and ethical principles of the legal profession.Thus, the behaviour and conduct of the JSC staff exhibits and promotes high standards of confidentiality, judicial and personal integrity. Propriety:The JSCstaff membersconductthemselvesinamannerconsistent with public offices and, as such, freely and willingly accept appropriate personal restrictions.The JSC also serves all persons with openness and promotes sincerity while dealing with them. Equity:The Commission ensures that all persons receive equal protection before the law.The JSC, therefore, accords equal treatment to all persons without discrimination based on color, race, ethnicity, religion, age, social or economic status, political opinion, or disability. Competence and Diligence: The Commission prides itself in producing outputs that are of high quality necessary for the proper and competent discharge of judicial duties. It strives to observe professional ethics and practices while carrying out its obligations and functions in order to offer maximum satisfaction to concerned persons. 1.5 Statement of Objectives Overall objective Ensuring that all persons in Uganda have access to improved Judicial Services through recruitment and disciplining of Judicial Officers, conducting Civic Education as well as investigating and effectively handling public complaints and suggestions in the judicial system. Long Term Objectives Ensuring that justice is impartial,within people’s means,and easy to access for all persons. Achieving a high level of motivation by advocating for better working conditions and career development for Judicial Officers. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 4 Medium Term Objectives Ensuring that the terms and conditions of service for the Judicial Officers are commensurate with their status and are sufficiently adequate to attract and retain a high calibre Judicial Officers. Professionalizing the Lower Bench by upgrading all the positions of Magistrate Grade II to Magistrate Grade I. Increasing public awareness and participation in the administration of justice. Ensuring strong discipline among judicial officials Short Term Objectives Filling all vacant positions declared by the Judiciary with competent,ethically proven, disciplined officers; Interfacing with Judicial Officers to promote good governance; Establishing a coordinated public awareness programme to sensitize the public about the administration of justice and their fundamental human rights; Establishing an accessible public complaints mechanism through which the public can easily and cheaply channel their concerns and recommendations about the administration of justice; Researching into the delivery of services within the judiciary with the aim of improving the administration of justice. 1.6 Composition and Structure of the Commission 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 appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.The present Commission came into existence on 2nd February 2012. These members take up the following offices; 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; JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 5 Six Members (part time), whose respective nomination is directly linked to specified stakeholder institutions, that is, one member from the Public Service Commission,two Advocates nominated by the Uganda Law Society, one representative of the Judiciary, and two members of the Public (not lawyers) nominated by the President; The Attorney General, who is an ex-officio member of the Commission. The Commission as at June 30, 2014 comprised the following: Hon. Kivumbi Secretary Judicial Se RVice co MMi SSion 6 Members of the Judicial Service Commission Hon. Justice Dr Esther Kisaakye Deputy Chairperson Hon. Kivumbi Secretary JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 7 1.7 The Judicial Service Commission Secretariat The overall responsibility of the Secretariat is to facilitate the Commission in delivering its Constitutional mandate.It is headed by a Secretary who is a Permanent Secretary. The Secretary is responsible for: Organization and operation of the work of the Commission; Tendering advice to the Chairperson in respect of the business of the Commission; Implementing the policies of the Government of Uganda; Ensuring proper expenditure of public funds by or in connection with the Commission; Carrying out policy decisions of the Commission and the day-to-day administration and management of the affairs of the Commission and the control of all staff of the Commission. Arranging the business for and recording and keeping the minutes of all decisions and proceedings of the Commission and its meetings. Performing any other function assigned to him/her by the Commission The Secretariat is composed of two Directorates namely:Education and Public Affairs (EPA), as well as Planning, Research and Inspectorate (PRI); and a Department of Finance and Administration (F&A). 1.7.1 The Directorate of Education and Public Affairs (EPA): EPA is headed by a Registrar and deputized by a Deputy Registrar.Other staff include two Principal Legal Officers, one Information Officer, one Legal Clerk and support staff. However, presently, the position of Registrar is vacant after the appointment of the previous holder to the office of Judge of the High Court. The Directorate is responsible for: – Carrying out Civic Education Publishing Civic Education Materials on law and administration of justice i.e. books, brochures, news supplements, etc. Handling the public relations function of the Commission Performing any other duties assigned by the Commission. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 8 1.7.2 The Directorate of Planning, Research and Inspectorate (PRI) Structurally,PRI is headed by a Registrar and is deputized by two Deputy Registrars. The other staff members include four Principal Legal Officers, four Legal Clerks and support staff. However, the positions of Registrar, one Deputy Registrar, one Principal Legal Officer and two legal Clerks are still vacant.The Directorate performs the following functions: Receiving and Processing peoples’ recommendations and investigating complaints concerning the Judiciary and the administration of justice Researching the terms and conditions of service of Judges and other Judicial Officers including Chairpersons, Members and Registrars of Tribunals. Researching and monitoring the administration of justice. Preparing proposals for the improvement in the administration of justice. Planning and coordinating programs of the Commission in liaison with other stakeholders in the Justice, Law and Order Sector. Performing any other duties assigned by the Secretary. 1.7.3 The Department of Finance and Administration (F&A) The Department is headed by the Under Secretary.This department is charged with the responsibility of creating an enabling environment for the Commission activities to run smoothly and its general administration. Its functions are listed below: Secretariat to the Top Management meetings Maintaining an Inventory of Assets and Stores Planning and Budgeting for the Commission Human resource management Provision of utilities- water, electricity and communication services Processing the procurement of goods and services Providing adequate and habitable office space JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 9 1.8 Committees of the Commission A number of committees are in place to perform tasks that address specific core business of the Commission.They include:- Top Management Committee The Chairperson of the Commission chairs this committee and the other members include all the departmental and section heads. The Committee sits quarterly to develop work plans and other policies for submission to the Commission for approval. The Disciplinary Committee This Committee is charged with hearing disciplinary cases brought against errant Judicial Officers and accordingly recommending to the full Commission for the final action. Complaints are investigated and deserving cases are forwarded to the Disciplinary Committee for trial. This committee sits at least twice a month. Grace Oburu Member Senior Management Committee This is chaired by the Secretary to the Commission. It consists of all Heads of Directorates, Departments and Sections, and sits once a month to deliberate on the implementation of the JSC work plan. Legal Affairs Committee This is composed of all staff lawyers in the Commission. Its function is to analyze and advise the Secretary on legal issues that arise during the performance of its mandate. It is chaired by the Registrar/PRI and the other members include the Registrar/EPA, all Deputy Registrars and all Principal Legal Officers (PLOs) within the JSC. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 10 Heads of Department Committee This Committee is chaired by the Secretary of the Commission and is composed of all the heads of directorates and departments. It sits every Monday to review the activities of the Commission on a weekly basis. 1.9 Staffing Changes During the period under review, the Commission experienced a number of staff changes regarding transfers, and new appointments as highlighted in the tables below: Table 1:Transfers to the Commission Name Title Remarks Mrs. Flavia Waduwa Under Secretary She was transferred from Office of the Prime Minister. Mr.Tumwebaze Baker Kanyangoga Senior Economist He was transferred from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Mr. Owamazima Justus Accountant He was transferred from Masaka Regional Referral Hospital Mr. Zziwa Francis Driver He was transferred from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. Odongo Gilbert Driver He was transferred from the Office of the Prime Minister. Table 2: Transfers from the Commission Name Title Replacement Remark Mr. Michael Elubu Registrar, Education and Public Affairs None Hon. Justice Michael Elubu was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Uganda JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 11 Mr. Olaunah was transferred to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Ms. Namubiru Jessica Personal Secretary None Ms. Namubiru was transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Zziwa Francis Mr Kato was transferred to the Judiciary Table 3: Officers who left Service for other reasons Name Title Replacement Remark Mr. Ojiambo left service on early retirement Mr. Kiwanuka James Senior Assistant Records Officer None Mr. Kiwanuka left service on mandatory retirement. Table 4: New staff in Financial Year (FY) 2013/14 Name Title Ms. Kamuli Eric Office Attendant JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 12 Staffing Challenges Low levels of staffing A number of posts in the Commission have remained vacant for a long time.The posts of Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Principal Legal Officers have remained unfilled for over two years.This negatively impacts on the performance of the Commission. This scenario is partly due to the fact that it has not been easy to attract lawyers from either the private sector or other Government Departments given the different pay structures for the legal professionals in the service. 1.10 JSC Budget Structure In Financial Year 2013/2014, the JSC operated under four key Programmes with six contributing outputs as outlined below: i. Programme 01 – Finance and Administration. It has two contributing outputs; a) Recruitment of Judicial Officers b) Administrative and Human Resource Support ii. Programme 02 – Education and Public Affairs. It has one contributing output; a) Public awareness and Participation in Justice Administration. iii.Programme 03 – Planning, Research and Inspection. It has two contributing outputs; a) Public Complaints System. b) Research and Planning for Administration of Justice. It has one contributing output; a) Production of Quarterly Audit Reports. The bulk of these outputs contribute towards the second Justice, Law and Order Sector Outcome of”enhancing access to JLOS services particularly for the vulnerable persons”. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 13 2.1 Financial and Physical Performance for FY 2013/14 The funds appropriated, released and spent for the FY 2013/2014 from both Go U and JLOS were as follows:- Table 5: Funds Appropriated to JSC under Go U Detail Budget UGX (`000) Release UGX (`000) Amount Spent UGX (`000) Non-wage Recurrent 1,442,848 1,440,005 1,440,005 Wage 779,542 522,157 522,157 Development (Capital activities) – Taxes 27,797 27,685 27,685 Total 2,250,187 1,989,847 1,989,847 The table above shows a shortfall in funds released for wages. The shortfall in the wages was due to unfilled posts in JSC. All the funds were spent in the course of the financial year. It is also important to note that JSC receives financial support through the JLOS SWAP arrangement. In FY 2013/2014, under this arrangement, JSC had an initial budget of UGX 823,432,000/=. We received off budget support in the course of the year. The funds that JSC received under this arrangement and how they were broadly applied are as detailed in the table below: Table 7:Financial Performance for FY 2013/2014 per Programme (JLOS) Output Budget UGX (`000) Off-Budget Support (`000) Release (`000) Spent (`000) Recruitment of Judicial Officers 112,000 – 112,000 112,000 Administrative & Human Resource Support Automation of data and support to PPU 152,240 – 152,240 152,240 Public awareness and Participation in Justice Administration 495,600 – 486,020 486,020 Public Complaints System 274,010 – 206,600 206,600 Anti Corruption 23,920 23,900 23,900 Capital Development (Public Complaints System) 120,000 – 120,000 120,000 Development of Recruitment, Discipline and Training of Judicial Officers ? Benchmarking Tours – 201,836 201,836 201,836 Total 1,177,770 201,836 1,302.596 1,302,596 The table above reveals that under JLOS, a greater percentage of the funds were budgeted for the programme of Public awareness and Participation in Justice Administration followed by the Public Complaints System especially handling of disciplinary cases that continued to accumulate with the increasing public awareness of the Commission’s complaints handling mechanism.The least budget JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 15 allocation was for Administrative and Human Resource Support.This is due to the fact that the SWAP funds cater for development activities and not activities related to administration. 2.2 Snapshot of Medium Term Budget Allocations The table below summarizes the Medium Term Budget allocations for the Judicial Service Commission.These figures exclude JLOS projections. Of this, approximately 48% will go to public awareness programmes while 29% will go to the public complaints system, 20% will go to recruitment of judicial officers, 2% will go to monitoring and evaluation activities and 1% will go to the anti corruption effort. It appoints Chief Magistrates and other Judicial Officers into various magisterial positions.The Commission held four short listing meetings and 24 interview sessions for the recruitment of judicial officers. As a result of these,recommendations were made to the Appointing Authority for the appointment of four Acting Justices of the Supreme Court, four Judges of the High Court, one Chief Judge and one Judge of the Industrial Court, one Chief Registrar and two Registrars. The Commission appointed on promotion 10 Deputy Registrars, two Assistant Registrars, 11 Chief Magistrates, six Senior Principal Magistrates Grade I, one Principal Magistrate Grade I and one Senior Magistrate Grade I. The Commission appointed 31 Magistrates Grade I and confirmed in appointment thirty three Judicial Officers. The Commission also played its statutory role in the appointment of the Chairperson of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Tribunal. The tables below show the details of the appointments and confirmations made during the reporting period: Table 11: List of Appointed Acting Justices No. Mr.Justice Benjamin Odoki Supreme Court 2. Mr.Justice Galdino Okello Supreme Court 3. Lady Justice Christine Kitumba Supreme Court JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 18 Table 12: List of Industrial Court Judges No. Lady Justice Lillian Linda Tumusiime Mugisha Judge Table 13: List of Court Registrars No. Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa Chief Registrar 2. Ssali Harriet Lukwago Deputy Registrar 5. Waninda Fred Kenneth Deputy Registrar 6. Otto Michael Gulumali Deputy Registrar 8. Naula Lillian Christine Mwandha Deputy Registrar 9. Ms.Kawuma Cissy Mudhasi Deputy Registrar 13. Anguandia Godfrey Opifeni Deputy Registrar 14. Wanume Deborah Assistant Registrar Table 14: List of Promoted Judicial Officers No. Atingu Stella Beatrice Chief Magistrate 6. Bareebe Rose Mary Ngabirano Chief Magistrate 9. Matenga Dawa Francis Senior Principal Magistrate Grade I 13. Amono Monica Senior Principal Magistrate Grade I 14. Kaitesi Kisakye Senior Principal Magistrate Grade I 15. Mushabe Alex Karocho Senior Principal Magistrate Grade I 16. Sayekwo Emmy Godfrey Senior Principal Magistrate Grade I 17. Shwanda Nkore Jolly Senior Principal Magistrate Grade I 18. Lagara Michael Principal Magistrate Grade I 19. Borore Kyaka Julius Senior Magistrate Grade I Table 15: List of Judicial Officers Confirmed in Service No. Achoka Egesa Freddy Magistrate Grade I 3. Alule Augustine Koma Magistrate Grade I 4. Angura Fionah Sheila Magistrate Grade I 7. Atim Harriet Okello Magistrate Grade I 8. Karungi Doreen Olga Magistrate Grade I 10. Lochomin Peter Fred Magistrate Grade I 11. Naigaga Winfred K Magistrate Grade I 17. Nakibinge Latif Abubakar Magistrate Grade I JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 20 18. Nyamwenge Immaculate Magistrate Grade I 25. Sajjabi Noah Norbert Magistrate Grade I 28. Wagana Margaret Annie Ihorere Magistrate Grade I 29. Natwijuka Baryeza Aloysius Magistrate Grade I 30. Mwine Mark David Magistrate Grade II 33. Wandwasi G.H Wubbo Magistrate Grade II Table 16: List of Newly Appointed Magistrates No. Owino Paul Abdonson Magistrate Grade I 3. Bwambale Daniel Busathiro Magistrate Grade I 4. Egesa Wilberforce Masaaka Magistrate Grade I 7. Basajjabalaba Jalia Magistrate Grade I 12. Okwong Stella Paculal Magistrate Grade I 13. Nassozi Rehema Ssebbowa Magistrate Grade I 18. Gakyaro Mpirwe Allan Magistrate Grade I 24. Nsobya Ronald Kamya Magistrate Grade I 25. Ms.Tibagonzeka Jane Magistrate Grade I 26. Achok Abrahams Moding Magistrate Grade I 27. Ngamije Mbale Faishal Magistrate Grade I 28. Bomukama Muhwezi Pamela Magistrate Grade I 29. Adong Molly Alice Magistrate Grade I 30. Kyomugisha Evelyn Serina Magistrate Grade I 31. Semaganda Grace Richard Magistrate Grade I We were able to achieve these within the time frame we had set for ourselves at the beginning of the reporting period. We were therefore able to recommend to the Appointing Authority persons to be appointed to the higher bench within four months of receiving declaration of vacancies by the Judiciary. We were also able to appoint judicial officers to the lower bench within three months of receiving declaration of vacancies by the Judiciary. The Commissioners continued to perform their duties with dedication despite poor facilitation and the generally unfavorable conditions of service; hence the ability to score outstanding achievements.The Secretariat staff members also never wavered in their commitment and support to the Commissioners thus making it possible for the expected outputs to be surpassed.We recognize and appreciate the support we have continued to receive from the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS) towards the performance of the Commission’s recruitment function;and this was instrumental in the excellent results registered. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 22 2.3.2 Civic Education The JSC is mandated 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. In this regard, 36 radio talk shows were held in Mityana, Fort Portal, Kanungu, Kabale, Bukedea,Tororo, Kiboga, Kyenjojo, Masindi, Hoima, Kasese, Mubende, Jinja, Masaka and Kamuli.These talk shows were funded by the Go U recurrent budget. The JLOS SWAP funds facilitated additional 49 radio talk shows in;Mbarara,Masaka, Sembabule, Apac, Lira, Masindi, Luweero, Ibanda, Kamwenge and Bushenyi Districts. The other places covered were; Kisoro, Kasese, Kiboga, Gulu, Adjumani, Jinja, Kamuli, Mubende, Zombo, Arua, Koboko, Moyo and Kampala Districts. The Commission also held three performance management workshops for Judicial Officers in Mbarara, Masaka and Mbale Magisterial Areas. During these workshops Judicial Officers were introduced to the concept of results oriented management in the public service The Commission printed various Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to promote public awareness and increase utilization of judicial services. In this regard, we printed and disseminated 384 copies of Citizens Handbook in Kiswahili, 1000 copies in English, 2000 copies in Luganda. The translation of the Citizens Handbook in Lugbara was completed and plans are underway to reproduce many copies for distribution to local leaders in Arua District, West Nile Sub Region. The Commission also printed 8,000 copies of brochures and 1,400 copies of charts for the education of members of the public on matters of the law and administration of justice in Uganda. The Commission organized 45 sub county civic education meetings in Mitooma, Kole, Oyam, Iganga, Luuka, Rakai, Lwengo and Kalungu Districts. The table below shows the sub counties and town councils in which the meetings were held. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 23 Table 17: List of Town Councils and Sub Counties which hosted civic education meetings No. Lukaya During these meetings,local leaders were sensitized on the role of JSC and on laws relating to sexual offences, land disputes and succession. The Commission also organized and held 8 prison inmate workshops at; Openzinzi Prisons in Adjumani District, Anyeke Prisons in Oyam District, Kigumba Prisons in Kiryandongo District, Hoima Prisons in Hoima District, Mambugu-Kagadi Prisons in Kibaale District, Bugungu Prisons in Jinja District, Bufulubi Prisons in Mayuge District and Ragem Prisons in Nebbi District. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 25 The Commission continued to update the resource centre in line with the goal to have a rich one stop reference centre for legal professionals.The Commission renewed its subscription to the e Law library facility earlier installed at the resource centre. The resource centre was supplied with several highly sought after reference books in the legal profession.We also maintained our subscription to the Uganda Gazzette to ensure that we promptly receive government decisions and communication on various matters of public interest. 2.3.3 Public Complaints System Investigation of Cases In regard to the mandate of receiving and processing peoples’ complaints, the Commission carried out 16 complaints investigation exercises in Mbarara, Masaka, Ntungamo, Kabale, Rakai, Lyantonde, Kapchorwa, Pallisa, Mbale, Sironko, Bukwo, Butaleja, Kumi, Soroti, Katakwi, Kaberamaido, Amuria, Tororo, Bugiri, Iganga, Jinja, Mukono, Kamuli, Busia, Kamwenge, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Rukungiri, Bushenyi, Ibanda, Sheema, Buyende, Kaliro, Mpigi, Sembabule, Mubende, Kyenjojo, Kabarole, Ntoroko, Luweero, Nakasongola, Lira, Gulu and Bundibugyo. Disciplinary Measures The Disciplinary Committee held 35 meetings to consider complaints that were raised against judicial officers. The Disciplinary Committee also held a one week retreat in Jinja to consider more cases. During these meetings and the retreat, the Disciplinary Committee concluded and recommended to the full Commission 226 cases for closure. However nine cases were sanctioned for charging, while another 31 cases were referred back for further investigations The Judicial Service Commission took action, ranging from caution to removal of some errant Judicial Officers. The names of Judicial Officers who are dismissed or retired in public interest are published in national newspapers in line with the newly adopted Commission policy to name and shame errant officers who are forced to exit the service due to their wayward conduct. However, to protect the image of, and preserve the confidence of the public in Judicial Officers, those who suffer disciplinary sanctions other than removal are spared the publicity. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 26 Installation of Boxes The installation of complaints/suggestion boxes continued with four trips being undertaken to Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo, Kibaale, Iganga, Kamuli, Pallisa, Mukono, Buikwe Districts. During the trips, 17 suggestions/complaints boxes were installed at Koboko Town Council and Abuku Sub County in Koboko District, at Yumbe Town Council and Lodonga Sub County in Yumbe District, at Moyo and Metu Sub Counties in Moyo District.The boxes were also installed at Kamuli District , Kamuli Town Council, Nabwigulu Sub County in Kamuli District; Iganga Municipality Central Division and Nawanyingi Sub County in Iganga District;Kalaki Sub County in Pallisa District; Nyenga Sub County in Buikwe District, Ntenjeru Sub County in Mukono District,Mubende District Offices and Kasambya Sub County in Mubende District and Bwarimamira Sub County in Kibaale Disttrict.These boxes act as a communication link between the general public and JSC. In a bid to promote the use of these boxes, six sensitization meetings on the use of suggestion/complaints boxes was held in Iganga Municipality where boxes had earlier been installed. Inspection of Courts The Commission carried out Court Inspections in Lira High Court, Lira Chief Magistrates Court, Anyeke Grade I Court, Apala Grade I Court, Otuke Grade I Court, Apac Grade I Court, Aduku Grade I, Dokolo Grade I Court, Amolatar Grade I Court and Aboke Grade II Court in Lira Magisterial Area. We also inspected Kotido Chief Magistrates Court, Abim Grade I Court and Kabong Grade I Court in Kotido Magisterial Area, Moroto Chief Magistrates Court and Nakapiripirit Grade I Court in Moroto Magisterial Area The other Courts inspected were; Iganga Chief Magistrates Court, Mayuge Grade I Court, Kaliro Grade I Court, Kiyunga Grade I Court, Bugiri Grade I Court and Namungalwe Grade II Court in Iganga Magisterial Area;Jinja High Court,Jinja Chief Magistrates Court, Bugembe Grade I Court, Kamuli Grade I Court, Kagoma Grade II Court and Nawanyago Grade II Court in Jinja Magisterial Area. The Commission also inspected Mengo Chief Magistrates Court, Kiira Grade I Court, Lugazi Grade I Court, Nakifuma Grade I Court, Buikwe Grade I Court and Ntenjeru Grade II Court.Further inspections were carried at Mubende Grade I Court, Katente Grade I Court, Kyenjojo Grade I Court, Bullisa Grade I Court, Masindi Chief JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 27 Magistrates Court, Kiryandongo Grade I Court, Kigumba Grade I Court and Biiso Grade II Court. We also inspected Kabale High Court, Kabale Chief Magistrates Court and Kisoro Grade I Court. 2.3.4 Research and Planning for Administration of Justice In the area of research, the Commission held ten anti corruption town hall meetings in Hoima, Kibaale, Masindi, Kiryandongo, Ibanda, Kamwenge, Bushenyi, Rukungiri, Ntungamo and Kabale Districts. The meetings were meant to gauge the people’s experience and perception of corruption in the Courts of Judicature and to generate possible measures to help in combating this malady. It is fulfilling to report that the meetings were very successful and many workable suggestions were fronted by the participants. These suggestions are contained in the detailed reports for each meeting and we intend to share them with the relevant stakeholders. 2.3.5 Administrative and Human Resource Support In order for the above key activities to take place, various administrative and human resource support activities were undertaken.The following was achieved: 12 routine Commission meetings were facilitated. The Commission continued to implement the HIV/AIDS workplace policy by organizing HIV sensitization meetings.This culminated in 50% of the JSC staff undergoing voluntary counselling and testing.This was done with financial support from the Office the President. Five secretarial members of staff were facilitated to attend a professional conference. 500 copies of the Annual Report 2012/13 were printed and disseminated. Administrative support was provided in terms of timely payment of salaries, provision of staff welfare, payment for JSC internet services, hosting JSC website, computers were serviced, newspapers were bought, cleaning and garbage collection services were undertaken, corporate wear was delivered to staff and JSC website domain was renewed. The IFMS equipment was competently maintained and this allowed JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 28 submission of complete, accurate and timely quarterly financial reports throughout the year. The Commission successfully migrated from the centralized IPPS based salary payment system to the decentralized IFMS based salary payment system for its staff members.The Commission has, as a result, been able to pay all staff salaries before the 28th of every month. The work plan and budget for Financial Year 2014/2015 was made and underwent the normal approval process. The computerization of records of all Judicial Officers was undertaken and successfully completed with support from JLOS. Supervision of JSC activities as well as monitoring and evaluation were carried out in Amuria, Katakwi, Iganga, Bugiri, Amolatar, Kaberamaido, Kaliro, Namutumba, Pallisa, Kibuku, Kyegegwa, and Kyenjojo Districts. These exercises revealed among other things the following; i.Frequent adjournment of cases and delays in judgments ii.Presence of volunteer staff and chronic absenteeism in courts continued by there was noticeable efforts to reduce backlog in many courts. iii.An increment in the levels of public awareness reflected by the rise in the number of reported complaints and use of toll free telephone line. However, there was a marked decrease in the use of suggestion/ complaints boxes as a means of registering complaints. The consistent use of radio talk shows to educate members of the public on matters of the law and administration of justice was found to be having a positive effect.The number of persons who have ever listened to JSC radio talk shows was found to be high compared to those from the previous period. v.It was also noted that the investigation and inspection activities have continued to be key to the visibility of JSC in the field. The decision to start publicizing the dismissal and/or retirement in public interest of errant Judicial Officers was found to have rejuvenated the public trust in the work of the Commission. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 29 2.3.6 Internal Audit In the Financial Year 2013/2014, the Internal Audit Unit was able to produce four quarterly reports on the physical and financial performance of the Commission highlighting areas where improvements needed to be done. The Internal Audit Reports help the Commission to streamline its procedures and processes regarding but not limited to vehicle maintenance, assets management, accountability for advances, management of the salary account, accountability for taxes (withholding tax,Pay As You Earn and Local Service Tax) as well as facilitation of retiring officers. We are fully convinced that the Internal Audit Unit has added value to services we deliver and the support services that make the performance of our core functions possible. 2.3.7 Development Expenditure In the year under review, JSC purchased the following items; One Station Wagon Vehicle for investigations under the Directorate of PRI Three office cabinets Office carpets for three offices Two desk top computers for Accounts and Procurement Units One lap top computer for Planning Unit 35 suggestion boxes and 35 plaques JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 30 The JSC will continue executing its core mandate of recruitment, educating the public and disciplining Judicial Officers as well as related activities like advising government on the terms and conditions of service for Judicial Officers, advising government on matters of the law and administration of justice and spearheading the anti corruption effort in the Justice, Law and Order Sector. The JSC Activities for FY 2014/2015 have been categorized under seven key outputs namely: 3.1 Recruitment of Judicial Officers The Commission,having gained valuable experience over the last two and half years, expects to perform the recruitment function with greater efficiency. We therefore intend to make recommendations for the filling of positions on the higher bench within four months of receiving notification of available vacancies.The Commission plans to fill all declared vacancies of judicial officers on the lower bench within a period of three months from the date of declaration. We also intend to confirm all eligible judicial officers depending on the submissions forwarded by the Judiciary. In order to accomplish this, the Commission will run quarterly job advertisements in the national media, hold 8 short listing sessions, 28 interview sessions and 4 confirmations sessions. However, to address the problem of case backlog in the courts as envisaged in the National Development Plan; there is need to revise and rationalize the human resource needs of the Judiciary both in terms of quantity and quality to equal the ever rising work load in our courts. The court processes should also be made more efficient by embracing energetic recourse to Alternative Dispute Resolution, Small Claims Procedures, Case Management and advancement in technology. This will improve the case disposal rates and steadily erode the massive backlog of cases in the courts. Physical Registration We encourage all persons who have suggestions or complaints about the courts, and are able, to physically visit our offices on Plot 6/8 Parliament Avenue, Farmers House, Ground Floor, Kampala. Use of Suggestion/Complaints Boxes The Commission has over the years installed suggestion/complaints boxes at district, town council and sub county offices. The authorities hosting these boxes have assigned persons to help members of the public to lodge their complaints/ suggestions through these boxes.The Commission will continue to have a programme of retrieving complaints from these boxes on a monthly basis.The Commission also plans to hold 20 sensitization meetings across the country to sensitize members of the public on the use of these suggestion boxes. Postal Services We encourage persons who have access to postal services to write and post their complaints to: The Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, P .O Box 7679, Kampala. E mail services The Commission has a vibrant website and an e mail address through which we can be contacted. Please e mail to info@jsc.go.ug.You can also find as at www. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 32 Investigation of Cases The Commission will ensure prompt handling of complaints received through any of the five routes listed above. In the FY 2014/2015, the Commission plans to make 24 investigation trips during which we target to investigate 180 cases.The Commission has made known the crucial need to establish a top notch JSC Investigative Unit to carry out investigations of white-collar crime, to accord with the magnitude of the complex tasks it is called upon to unravel in the area of disciplinary complaints. The Commission also intends to keep all complainants up to date with the progress of their cases.This will be achieved through regular feedback communication to the complainants. Disciplinary Committee Meetings The Commissionwillhold40disciplinarycommitteemeetingstoconsiderinvestigated cases and have them resolved. When a case reaches the level of the Disciplinary Committee, both the complainant and the respondent (Judicial Officer) are required to appear before the Committee for formal hearing with evidence and witnesses at hand. The Commission undertakes to meet all the expenses incurred by the complainant and the complainant’s witnesses. In the FY 2014/2015 we estimate a total of 48 complainants and 80 complainants’ witnesses will be required to appear before committee. Disciplinary Committee Retreats We plan to hold two Disciplinary Committee retreats to enable us clear the case backlog that has continued to grow due to increased public awareness leading to increased use of the public complaints system. 3.3 Public Awareness and Participation in Administration of Justice Radio Talk Shows The Commission will conduct public awareness campaigns on matters concerning the administration of justice through 66 radio talk shows in different parts of the country.The Go U recurrent budget will fund 18 talk shows, while 48 talk shows will be funded by the JLOS SWAP budget. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 33 The talk shows are to address succession law, mob justice, witchcraft and domestic violence among other topical justice related issues. Sub County Sensitization Meetings The Commission will hold 14 sub county workshops in various districts and regions of the country.The workshops are meant to sensitize the local opinion leaders with the aim that they will be able to pass on the information to the grassroots and thereby influence the justice needs of the public. Prisons Inmates Workshops The Commission will continue to hold Prisons Inmates Workshops to inform the prisoners of their rights and remind the prisons authorities of their responsibilities in respecting the rights and promoting the welfare of prisoners. In the FY 2014/2015, we plan to hold 10 workshops for prisoners in Arua, Mbarara, Mbale and Karamoja areas.The JLOS SWAP funds will facilitate eight workshops, while Go U recurrent budget will facilitate two workshops. Publication and Dissemination of IEC Materials The Commission plans to print and disseminate 1,538 copies of the Citizens Handbook in English, Luganda, Ateso, Nga’Karimojong, Runyakitara, Luo, Kiswahili and Lugbara. Bulk Short Message Service The Commission will embrace the use of SMS to disseminate information related to the law and administration. We intend to use two widely used mobile telephony networks to reach 10 million odd subscribers. Performance Management Seminars The Commission will hold three one-day seminars for judicial officers on performance management, discipline and general good management practices. The seminars will take place in magisterial areas which have not had the chance to host such seminars before. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 34 3.4 Research and Planning for Administration of Justice Court Inspection The Commission plans to inspect courts in six magisterial areas in the FY 2014/2015. The inspections are meant to acquaint the Commission with the conditions under which Judicial Officers work in various parts of the country.This creates an informed basis on which the Commission can advise government on the terms and conditions of service of Judicial Officers as mandated by the Constitution of Uganda. Additionally, court inspections allow the Commission to check on adherence to policies, standards and good practices expected of institutions under the public service of Uganda. Field Survey The Commission will undertake quarterly field surveys on access to justice. This activity will involve focus group discussions in the four traditional regions of Uganda. Anti Corruption Drive The Commission will engage the public, advocates, judicial officers and JLOS stakeholders in meetings regarding perceived corruption in the Judiciary. In this regard, the Commission will hold 6 town hall meetings in selected districts around the country. The Commission also plans to produce and disseminate anti corruption IEC materials.This will be in form of charts, brochures, fliers and stickers.This, we hope, will sensitize and galvanize the public as the key stakeholder in the fight against corruption. Subscription to Professional Bodies The Commission will continue to subscribe to the Uganda Law Society and the East African Law Society.In this regard the Commission as an institution and as individual staff members will be facilitated to update their membership to these associations. This is aimed at keeping the lawyers at the Commission professionally up to date through the Continuing Professional Development programmes organized by these bodies. It will also help the Commission to continue receiving professional journals and other relevant publications. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 35 Inthelongrun,JSCwillneedtocultivateprofessionalrelationswiththevarious Judges and Magistrates Associations of Uganda, East Africa and the Commonwealth. 3.5 Administrative and Human Resource Support Administrative Support Services Administrative support services will continue to be provided in terms of: Facilitation of Commission meetings; Timely payment of members’ allowances and staff salaries; Payment of staff consolidated allowances to guarantee minimum standards of staff welfare; Uninterrupted provision of utilities, i.e. electricity, telephone services and water; Payment for security services; Payment for medical services; Payment for JSC internet services; Renewal of JSC Website Domain and hosting of website; Procurement of consumable supplies such as office stationery, toner cartridges etc; Printing and dissemination of 1,000 copies of Annual Report, 2013/2014; Maintenance of motor vehicles; Servicing and repair of office equipment, including IFMS and IPPS machines; Procurement of staff uniforms and corporate wear; Cleaning and fumigation of offices as well as collection of garbage; and Subscription to three professional bodies i.e. Planning and Reporting The Commission will continue to prepare and submit,to the relevant bodies,quarterly reports of its financial and physical performance as expected. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 36 We also intend to have the Policy Planning Unit strengthened to ensure a smooth, reliable and efficacious planning and reporting process.This will also enable us to develop the budget and work plan for Financial Year 2015/2016 within the required time frame.The submission for the preparation of the Ministerial Policy Statement for 2015/16 will also be timely. We also expect, as a result of streamlining this unit, to have our outputs and achievements accurately captured in the Government Semi Annual Performance Report and the Government Annual Performance Report. Staff training The Commission recognizes the importance of having staff with up to date knowledge and skills. We therefore plan to sponsor four staff members for refresher training within the country, while two staff member will be sponsored for training abroad. Related to this, we are going to put in place a comprehensive induction programme to enable newly employed or transferred staff to smoothly assimilate into the JSC fraternity and quickly internalize its core values and best practices. Implementation of HIV Workplace Policy The implementation of the HIV/AIDS workplace policy will continue.The global and long term goals of the HIV/AIDS fight are: Zero new infections; Zero Stigma; and Zero HIV/AIDS related deaths. On our part and in line with the global agenda, we hope in the long run to attain zero workplace infections, zero workplace stigma and zero AIDS related employee death. However, in the short, run we hope to achieve increased awareness, voluntary testing by all staff and easy access to Anti Retroviral Therapy by staff members who need it. We expect the 50% of the staff who did not test in FY 2013/14 to do it in the FY 2014/15. We also hope all new staff will appreciate the need and get to know their sero- status as we move along. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 37 Monitoring and Evaluation We plan to conduct 16 monitoring and evaluation exercises to ensure that planned activities are conducted as scheduled and make proposals for improvement where need be.The JLOS SWAP fund will facilitate four of these exercises, while the Go U recurrent budget will cater for 12 M&E exercises. 3.6 Production of Quarterly Audit Reports The Internal Audit Unit will produce quarterly audit reports for both Government of Uganda Funds and JLOS Funds. This will provide guidance to management to ensure compliance with the laws, regulations, rules and industry good practices in areas of financial management, procurement management, human resource management, fleet management, assets management, utilities management and all other relevant areas. The production of quarterly audit reports will also involve traveling to the field where most of the activities of the Commission are carried out. 3.7 Development (Capital Purchase) The Commission will purchase the following capital items: Two station wagon vehicles; Two office tables and four office chairs; Two desk top computers, two laptop computers, four printers; and One air conditioner. JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 38 4.1 Challenges The Judicial Service Commission has an indisputably wide mandate compared with some other Service Commissions. The appointing mandate is fairly heavy given that we service an entire Arm of the State, the Judiciary. However, the Constitution bestows other functions on the Commission which makes it unique and unwieldy. Whereas the other Commissions strictly act on submissions by responsible officers, JSC may act based on a private citizen’s submission.This involves establishing the veracity of such submissions, and giving the judicial officers full opportunity to be heard ? thus folding into one body both executive and judicial functions. The Constitution also mandates us to educate judicial officers and the public on matters of the law and administration of justice. This is surely a very broad area which keeps us on our toes throughout the year. The unique and broad nature of our mandate underpins the challenges we have had and continue to face in our day to day operations. These challenges are as elaborated below: i.Facilitation of Commission members has continued to be a challenge due to their part time status. Although we have lobbied extensively to have this matter addressed, and at some point we appeared to have made a breakthrough, it is sad to note that resources availed to us for this purpose will cater for only 50% of the estimated needs in the FY 2014/15. The Commission is housed in a derelict building with limited space which can hardly accommodate even the present low level of staffing. Soon, we may reach the end of our wits when new staff members are received. This is likely to be very soon as the process of filling some vacant positions at the Commission is at an advanced stage. Moreover, the state of the building is proving to be a health hazard to the present staff members.There has been a rise in cases of respiratory tract infections and allergies among staff members in units found in the worst sections of the building. It is only the Chairperson of the Commission who is full time; all other members are part timers. The part time status of the Commission members undermines its ability to address emergency demands connected to Commission’s mandate. This means that the Commission cannot sit as frequently as it would be required to deal with important matters. It is for the same reason that the Disciplinary Committee responsible for handling complaints against judicial officers is only able to sit twice a month to dispose of cases, yet complaints keep coming in on a daily basis. This negatively impacts the operations of the Commission, whose quorum is six out of the nine members.The resultant effect is the accumulation of disciplinary case backlog in JSC. The Public Complaints System and the Public Awareness campaigns require JSC officers to traverse the country creating awareness, collecting people’s complaints and suggestions regarding the administration of justice in Uganda. However, shortage of funds for acquisition of a sufficient number of vehicles has greatly affected these crucial field activities.JSC therefore faces the challenge of travelling to the field to carry out civic education,and to pick complaints deposited in the suggestions boxes installed at district headquarters, municipalities, town councils and sub counties.The few vehicles we have are very old and some are past their boarding off dates.These vehicles can no longer make long journeys without the risk of officers getting stranded on the way due to breakdown. This explains why our officers rarely visit far flung areas of the country and areas with notoriously difficult terrain like Amudat, Koboko, Kween, Bundibugyo, Lamwo and Kisoro. The Commission’s mandate of research is virtually not being undertaken. The Commissioners need funds to carry out comparative studies in and beyond the region on the terms and conditions of service for judicial officers if Uganda is to improve access to justice to all. The Commission is faced with a challenge of hugely unfunded training and Civic education activities on law and administration of justice.Yet it has been observed that the above are the most effective means of delivering education to the masses. The little funding has been used by JSC in covering less than 50 sub-counties per year against over 1,600 sub-counties. In the next FY, this will even get worse JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 40 as the available funds can only cover 14 sub counties. This thinly spreads the impact of the civic education activities leaving a very large percentage of the population largely ignorant of issues that relate to justice. vii.The Commission has suffered a long standing shortage of staff in the technical departments. Despite numerous advertisements being run, we are yet to attract appropriately experienced legal professionals into the Commission. This has resulted in key positions of Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Principal Legal Officer remaining vacant.The inability to attract the required human resources is attributable to a number of factors key among which are: a.Unfavourable pay package for legal professionals at the Commission vis a vis those in other government agencies. This discrepancy arises from the fact that the salaries for legal professionals in the Judiciary are not taxed while those at the Commission are taxed. In other government agencies that employ legal professionals such as Uganda Law Reform Commission, Uganda Human Rights Commission, and the Inspectorate of Government, their pay packages are much better on account of being self accounting and thus able to determine staff salaries in house. The structure of the Commission is `challenging. There are no suitable vacancies for fresh graduates. The lowest legal professional is a Legal Clerk, whose qualification is a Diploma in Law; and the next post is Principal Legal Officer who is a graduate with at least nine years experience, three of which must be attained at the level of Senior Legal officer or its equivalent.This structure does not allow us to get young professionals who can then be nurtured into higher positions. 4.2 Recommendations to Address the Challenges i. The Commission is one of the institutions to be allocated office space in the planned JLOS House to be constructed in Naguru. But this house is not expected to be ready earlier than 2018. The only viable option in the meantime is for the Commission to acquire office premises from the private sector, and this means more financial resources are needed for this purpose. The financial health of the Commission should be given the attention it deserves, given that JSC services an entire Arm of State.This can be resolved by granting the Commission JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 41 self accounting status which will allow it to assume and play its rightful role in the service of the Nation. This will require some amendments to the Constitution. Indeed, it is our belief that granting self accounting status to the Commission would be a master stroke that would open the way to solve all the major challenges enumerated above. The problem of attracting staff can be handled by introducing a new structure for the Commission, which allows it to employ less experienced professionals who can then grow in service. In fact, the process of restructuring was started by the Ministry of Public Service about two years ago and so far we have only received the new structure for the Human Resource Unit which is being elevated to a fully fledged department. The new structures for the two technical directorates should be expedited so that the Commission canattractadequatequalityandquantityof staff inreadinessfortheanticipatedexpansion of the Commission’s mandate and the attendant increase in its work load. The status of the Commission members should be revisited with a view to making the Commission or some members thereof, full time.This would call for amendments to the Constitution. Justice James Ogoola Chairperson 2 Kagole E. Driver 55 Zziwa Francis Driver 56 Onyango Steven Driver *** Mawanda Martin remained on interdiction, pending determination of his case by the Public Service Commission, related to making false statements, in the course of duty.