The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has been thrown into internal turmoil after its president issued a directive endorsing opposition candidates for the 2026 general elections, prompting senior lawyers to accuse the organisation of abandoning political neutrality and breaching its statutory mandate.
In an executive order dated December 21, Uganda Law Society (ULS) president Isaac Ssemakadde declared that the organisation would depart from its long-standing non-partisan stance, arguing that neutrality had become “complicity” amid what he described as widespread repression and the erosion of judicial independence.
The directive specifically endorses opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, for president, as well as candidates from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) at all electoral levels.
“This decision is taken solemnly, as a necessary act of defence for the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the independence of the Bar and Bench, and the democratic future of our country,” Ssemakadde said, accusing President Museveni’s government of militarising civilian life, undermining the judiciary, and using security forces to suppress dissent.
Within 24 hours, the Senior Counsel Bar – a group of Uganda’s most senior advocates – issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the move.
“As an independent professional organisation guided by integrity and independence, the ULS must remain impartial and above partisan politics,” the statement said.
The senior lawyers argued that the Society is established under the Uganda Law Society Act to regulate standards, protect the public interest, and assist courts and government on legal matters – not to endorse political candidates.
They urged the ULS to instead focus on documenting electoral violence and legal violations and pursuing redress through the courts.
While condemning electoral misconduct, the Senior Counsel Bar warned that partisan endorsements risk undermining public trust in the legal profession.
The dispute exposes deep divisions within Uganda’s legal fraternity ahead of a politically sensitive election cycle. Museveni, 81, has been in power since 1986 and is widely expected to seek re-election in 2026.
Previous elections have been marred by violence, arrests of opposition figures, and restrictions on political activity, drawing criticism from rights groups.
The government has not commented on the ULS directive or the internal dispute, leaving questions about whether the Society can maintain a unified voice and how far professional institutions can go in openly challenging the political status quo.
