Paul Andrew Udoto Kongani, a law student and a part time carpenter has become the latest talk of the town, after he applied for the vacant post of the Chief Justice.
Kongani on Monday appeared before the JSC commission interviewing candidates for the post, and pulled out of the race after telling the commissioners he was not qualified.
The 39-year old father of two, however, said the qualifications were discriminatory for individuals like him who have not served in the judiciary for 15 years and were below 40 years.
A few minutes into his interview, Kongani expressed hesitance at moving forward with the interview, and sought ‘guidance’ from the chairperson of the interview panel so as not to ‘waste government money’.
Kongani clarified that he did not contest the Judicial Service Commission’s initial decision to disqualify him, due to his lack of experience and differed with high Court judge Aggrey Muchelule on that point.
He was among the seven applicants initially disqualified by the JSC in the race for Chief Justice, before a decision was taken to interview all those who applied.
Kongani proposed that the JSC and other stakeholders should seek to amend the Constitution so that it is in line with the spirit of non-discrimination and equal opportunities for all citizens.