UgandaToday: ULS Urges Justice Naluzze to Resign from Judiciary to Avoid Conflict of Interest as IGG
By Uganda Today News Desk
Kampala, Uganda — October 12, 2025:
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called on newly appointed Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze, to immediately resign from her judicial position before assuming her new role as Ombudsman, warning that holding both offices concurrently would be unconstitutional and a conflict of interest.
In a statement signed by Asiimwe Anthony, the ULS Vice President, the professional body of lawyers welcomed Justice Naluzze’s appointment but cited Article 223(4) of the 1995 Constitution, which prohibits the IGG from holding any other office of emolument in the public service.
“The IGG shall not, while holding office, hold any other office of emolument in the public service,” reads part of the constitutional provision cited by ULS.
The statement further referenced a Constitutional Court ruling in Jim Muhwezi & 3 others v Attorney General & another (2008), which declared that appointing a sitting judge as IGG violates the doctrine of separation of powers and undermines judicial independence.
Four-Year IGG Term Conflicts with Judiciary Service
ULS pointed to Section 20 of the Administration of the Judiciary Act, Cap 4, which allows judicial officers to apply for leave of absence for a period not exceeding three years if appointed outside the Judiciary. Given that the IGG’s tenure runs for four years (renewable once), the Society contends that Justice Naluzze’s acceptance of the new office effectively terminates her judicial service.
“Her appointment effectively ends her tenure in the Judiciary,” ULS asserted, emphasizing that continuation in both offices would amount to dual public service — a clear constitutional breach.
Advisory for Integrity and Institutional Stability
Citing Section 3(e) of the ULS Act, the Society advised Justice Naluzze to formally resign from her judicial office before being sworn in as IGG, to maintain personal integrity and safeguard the credibility of the Inspectorate.
“Failure to do so would be a violation of the Constitution and the Administration of the Judiciary Act, and a permanent blemish on her integrity,” ULS cautioned.
The statement underscores the Society’s long-standing position on upholding constitutionalism and preventing conflicts of interest in Uganda’s governance institutions.
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