RECONSTITUTION OF THE TRIBUNAL

RECONSTITUTION OF THE TRIBUNAL

In August 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, reconstituted the Leadership Code Tribunal (LCT), appointing its members on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission. The appointments were subsequently vetted and approved by Parliament in September 2025. The reconstituted members were sworn into office on 7^th January 2026 by the Principal Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, on behalf of the President, at a formal ceremony held at the Supreme Court in Kampala. The Tribunal assumed office on the same day. This reconstitution marked a key milestone in strengthening the enforcement of ethical standards and accountability among leaders and public officers in the country.

Members of the Leadership Code Tribunal are: Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo-Segawa (Chairperson serving a second term of office), Dr. Anthony Conrad Kaweesi Kakooza – Deputy Chairperson (newly appointed), Ms. Jane Okelowange – Member (serving a second term of office), Mr. Didas Bakunzi Mufasha – Member (serving a second term of office), Ms. Annette Karungi – Member (newly appointed)

The team took over the reigns of a Tribunal that plays a core role in adjudicating breaches of the Leadership Code of Conduct, a legislative framework established under Articles 234 and 235A of the Constitution and the Leadership Code Act, Cap. 33, designed to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in public service.

The Leadership Code Tribunal is vital in Uganda’s governance architecture because it enforces rules meant to check corruption and unethical conduct among those in public office. When leaders and public officers fail to declare their income, assets, and liabilities; engage in conflicts of interest; or violate other provisions of the Leadership Code Act, the Tribunal is mandated to hear such cases and determine appropriate penalties.

The newly appointed members of the Tribunal bring with them a wealth of experience from the legal, public administration, and governance sectors. Their appointment comes at a critical time when the demand for transparency and responsible leadership remains central to public discourse and national development. Success in these areas will strengthen Uganda’s institutional capacity to curb unethical conduct and improve overall governance standards.

Through its work, the Tribunal serves as an important accountability mechanism, ensuring that those entrusted with public authority remain answerable to the law and to the citizens they serve. The reconstituted Tribunal offers an opportunity to reinforce these principles and enhance the effectiveness of the Tribunal’s mandate.

The inaugural Tribunal is credited for laying a foundation that has contributed to strengthening the enforcement of the Leadership Code. The second Tribunal is building on this legacy with a renewed focus on efficiency, fairness, and the timely resolution of cases.

Collaboration with key institutions, particularly the Directorate for Ethics and Integrity, the Inspectorate of Government, the Governance and Security Programme Secretariat, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the Inter-Agency Forum against Corruption, development partners, among others, remains central to the Tribunal’s work. Strengthened coordination between these bodies is expected to improve case management, compliance with asset declaration requirements, and public awareness of ethical leadership standards.

At its core, the Tribunal exists to safeguard public confidence in governance systems. By holding leaders and public officers accountable and addressing misconduct, the Tribunal contributes to a culture of responsibility that is essential for sustainable development and democratic governance.

Together, the blend of renewed and new appointments reflects a balanced transition that reinforces stability while embracing renewal in the pursuit of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in public office.