CJ Dollo Slams ULS Radicals, Blocks Ssemakadde From Speaking
Speaking at the opening of the New Law Year, Owiny-Dollo warned that individuals attacking judicial officers would bear the consequences of their actions.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has fiercely criticised the Uganda Law Society (ULS), accusing its leadership of unethical behaviour, public insults, and attempts to tarnish the Judiciary’s reputation.
Speaking at the opening of the New Law Year, Owiny-Dollo warned that individuals attacking judicial officers would bear the consequences of their actions.
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The Chief Justice condemned what he termed "vulgar, primitive assaults" on the Judiciary, stating that criticism is acceptable but abuse will not be tolerated.
"Someone abuses you, makes you feel stupid, and then comes to your house expecting business as usual," he said.
"People think they have greatness in attacking instead of criticising. The leadership of the Uganda Law Society is trying to drag judicial officers through the mud. If the law doesn’t favour you, accept it. Our duty is to uphold constitutionalism and justice."
He urged legal professionals to reflect on their conduct and offer an apology to the Judiciary, particularly Justice Musa Ssekaana, whom he claimed had been unfairly targeted.
In a move that escalated the standoff, Owiny-Dollo admitted to barring ULS president Isaac Ssemakadde from speaking at the event.
"I am the one who ordered that the President of the Uganda Law Society, Isaac Ssemakadde, should not speak at the New Law Year," he declared.
Owiny-Dollo warned that while the Judiciary has exercised restraint, it will not remain silent indefinitely.
"I was here before most of you were born. I practiced before you. I have never heard of anyone receiving a medal for abusing others. If this continues, individuals in the Uganda Law Society will lose—the Judiciary will not."
He added a final caution: "I will not talk about this again. I will take action. This is not a threat."
However, he left the door open for reconciliation, urging ULS to engage constructively with the judiciary and respect the rule of law.
The ULS under Ssemakadde has rebranded as the "Radical New Bar", with its leadership courting controversy following some debatable utterances.
Last year, Mr Ssemakadde was accused of using foul language to describe the Director of Public Prosecutions, Frances Abodo, with the matter now before court.
However, Mr Ssemakadde and his supporters have defended their right to freedom of expression.
With tensions now at a boiling point, the legal fraternity awaits ULS's response to the Chief Justice’s sharp rebuke, as the divide between the judiciary and the country’s top legal body deepens.
