Apologise to DPP Abodo, CJ Dollo Tells Ssemakadde

The call on Mr Ssemakadde to apologise is controversial considering that the matter is already before court and the ULS leader has not pleaded guilty.

MOROTO | Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has called on Uganda Law Society (ULS) president Isaac Ssemakadde to apologise to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, for remarks he allegedly made that have been deemed derogatory.

Speaking during the Fifth Northern Annual Bar Bench Law Dinner at Hotel Africana in Moroto District, Justice Owiny-Dollo urged reconciliation, emphasising its importance for fostering civility within the legal profession.

“If you have a conviction, take the courage to seek out Abodo to say sorry. If you don’t, you will leave a legacy of nastiness,” the Chief Justice stated.

The call on Mr Ssemakadde to apologise is controversial considering that the matter is already before court and the ULS leader has not pleaded guilty.

It is also at odds with recent remarks by CJ Dollo, who distanced himself from commenting on a matter before court which would breach the principle of fairness under the subjudice law.

Addressing the audience of legal professionals, judicial officers, and local leaders, he offered to mediate the process, proposing traditional reconciliation through Karamoja elders.

“I will take Ssemakadde to Karamoja elders once he is ready, so as to make a sincere apology and bring this bad blood to a close,” he added.

The appeal follows public uproar over Ssemakadde’s alleged comments during a symposium organized by the People’s Freedom Front (PFF) in Kampala on November 18, 2024.

Reports suggest that Ssemakadde referred to the DPP as “a pumpkin for a DPP” and “a dimwit,” sparking debates on freedom of speech and professionalism within the legal fraternity.

On December 4, lawyers Joshua Byamazima and Tony Tumukunde filed a complaint at Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court, accusing Ssemakadde of “insulting the modesty of a woman.”

The case, presided over by Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, has attracted significant public interest.

In addition, Members of Parliament from Karamoja, DPP Abodo’s home region, have demanded a public apology, condemning the remarks as vulgar and disrespectful.

The Judiciary has clarified that Justice Owiny-Dollo’s comments did not breach the subjudice rule, as he merely encouraged reconciliation.

Previously, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo has refrained from commenting on matters outside his jurisdiction.

During a recent event in Gulu City, he declined to comment on the State’s decision to charge opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, in a military court, stating he only addresses matters before him in court.

But Judiciary spokesperson James Mawanda Ereemye explained that alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is permissible under Uganda’s criminal justice system, in line with Article 126 of the Constitution.

“The Chief Justice is a strong advocate of ADR, and it is allowed under the law. He didn’t discuss the merits or demerits of the case but simply advised in a brotherly manner,” Mr Ereemye stated.

He further emphasized that the Chief Justice’s comments would not influence the ongoing court proceedings.

Mr Ssemakadde, known for his outspoken demeanor, has yet to respond publicly to the Chief Justice’s call.

Legal experts and the public are closely monitoring his next move, which could shape the resolution of conflicts within Uganda’s justice system.

Observers note that the Chief Justice’s intervention underscores a broader conversation about civility in public discourse and the balance between free speech and professional decorum.

Several other persons, including Ethics and Integrity minister Rose Lilly Akello aasked Mr Ssemakadde to apologise while a section of the ULS Council distanced themselves from the remarks.

The dinner, which marked the conclusion of a three-day forum, featured discussions on legal issues, social interactions, and a football match.

Notable attendees included DPP Jane Frances Abodo, Lady Justice Mary Ikit, Assistant Registrar of the Moroto High Court Circuit Nassif Umar Mubiru, Chief Magistrate Abrahams Achok Modin, and ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe.

Also present were human rights lawyer Nicholas Opio, regional politicians like Remigio Achia, and representatives from joint security forces.