Mr Isaac Atukunda, managing partner at Credo Advocates, Mr Isaac Ssemakadde, a rights activist and executive director of Legal Brains Trust, and Mr Kenneth Kipaalu, associate partner at KTA Advocates, are in a fiery battle for the top Law Society seat.
The election has drawn intense interest from members of the legal fraternity and the general public alike, with candidates shaping their campaigns around critical issues concerning the role of the ULS in Ugandan society.
But with the interest has also come intense scrutiny for one or other reasons.
Among the central issues in the race is the call by some candidates to return the ULS to its foundational mission of protecting and supporting the public.
There is concern that, in recent years, the ULS has leaned too heavily towards siding with the government, potentially compromising its independence.
This shift in focus has sparked excitement and debate, reverberating beyond the legal community.
Members have pointed to the timing of these elections, coming just ahead of the country’s general elections.
Uganda is entering a period where legal contradictions are expected to arise in significant ways, making the leadership of the ULS particularly critical at this moment.
The upcoming ULS president will be expected to navigate a highly charged political environment, balancing the society’s role in advising the three arms of government while maintaining its independence.
Suleiman Kakaire, a prominent ULS member, is among those who believe that the ULS has lost its way in recent years.
“The Society, which should be negotiating with the profession’s regulators, government, and other bodies, has failed in its duty to provide adequate training, advice, and protection,” he said.
Many candidates in this election are framing their campaigns around the notion that the government has captured the ULS, and they promise to "free" the institution and put it back on track.
Importantly, support for this message is coming not only from the legal fraternity but also from opposition politicians, civil society groups, and members of the general public.
A Bar Association Under Scrutiny
The ULS, which serves as the Bar Association for lawyers in Uganda, has a responsibility to protect the public and provide guidance on legal matters.
Yet, several candidates have openly claimed that past ULS leaders have been too closely aligned with the state, effectively "going to bed" with the government instead of holding it accountable.
ULS is currently led by Mr Bernard Oundo whose tenure ends this weekend. It has in recent years been led by Ms Pheona Wall, Mr Simon Pete Kinobe, and Mr Francis Gimara.
Prominent lawyers like Muwada Nkunyingi and Abdulla Kiwanuka have expressed frustration, stating that past ULS leaders acted like "small gods" who served the interests of the state rather than those of the public and legal community.
“The previous leaders forgot their role, and now they are facing increased pressure as the ULS election approaches. As voters, we will stand with those seeking to clean our house,” they said.
The Weight of the Election
The upcoming presidential elections in Uganda have often been contested in courts of law, raising the stakes for the ULS vote even higher.
The ULS president holds a crucial position in interpreting and guiding legal matters during such contentious political times.
“Just as in past elections, there may be contestations, but the importance of electing a strong and independent ULS president cannot be understated," Kakaire said.
"The choice made in this election will shape the future of the legal profession in Uganda and its relationship with the state."
This year's ULS elections are not just about internal legal politics; they are about the future of law, governance, and public trust in Uganda