ULS Council Suspends Ssemakadde

The decision was made after a majority of Council members appealed to Mr Ssemakadde to apologise for his actions, but their appeals were in vain.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has suspended its president Isaac Ssemakadde following a series of allegations misconduct and mismanagement.

The decision was made after a majority of Council members appealed to Mr Ssemakadde to apologise for his actions, but their appeals were in vain.

The resolution, passed by the majority of the Council, aims to restore public trust and confidence in the ULS and safeguard its reputation, the resolution signed by ULS Secretary Phillip Munaabi said.

As part of the resolution, Mr Ssemakadde has been expelled from the ULS Council, along with his deputy Anthony Asiimwe.

The expulsion follows allegations that the two leaders conspired to handle financial matters, including online bank approvals, without Council knowledge or approval.

Mr Asiimwe's actions were reportedly done illegally, as he is not a mandated signatory for the ULS's finances.

The two are also accused of creating a management crisis at the ULS, particularly by spreading unfounded allegations of witch-hunt against ULS staff.

These actions have reportedly caused tension and instability within the organisation.

To address the current crisis, an Internal Caretaker Committee has been constituted, which will be led by Mr Munaabi. The Committee's primary responsibility is to steer the Society through this turbulent period.

All expelled individuals, including their aides and agents, have been barred from accessing ULS premises, emails, and property.

Any attempts to do so will result in criminal charges.

Mr Ssemakadde has stoked fury among the legal fraternity with his abrasive management style. Although he was voted for the exact same reason, the ULS appears to have found out too soon that it cannot bear with reality of the same.

Mr Ssemakadde has, through an executive order, kicked the Attorney-General and Solicitor General from the ULS Council, leading to legal battles.

And last week, he stoked the anger of many when he spoke about the Director of Public Prosecution, Ms Jane Frances Abodo, using uncouth language.

Several entities, including the Ministry of Ethics and Integrity, have asked Mr Ssemakadde to apologise while the DPP threatened to sue him.

Mr Ssemakadde has taken sick leave.

The internal turmoil at the Uganda Law Society has cast a shadow over its role as the guardian of the legal profession in Uganda, raising questions about its ability to effectively represent its members and uphold the rule of law