ULS Rejects Court Verdict, Calls Ssemakadde’s Sentence Illegal

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned the contempt of court ruling against its President, Isaac Ssemakadde, calling it "one-sided, irregular, and of no legal effect."

In a statement on Friday, ULS Vice-President Asiimwe Anthony reassured members that the organisation was prepared for what it sees as an attempt to suppress its leadership.

The ruling, delivered by High Court Judge Musa Ssekaana, sentenced Ssemakadde to two years in jail for contempt of court.

"If this blunt instrument of a misguided judicial officer was aimed at silencing our president's voice and undermining our collective efforts, it has failed. I assure you, we will not be intimidated," Asiimwe stated.

The controversy follows remarks made by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo at the recent opening of the New Law Year, which ULS interprets as a sign of increasing judicial repression against the “Radical New Bar,” a faction advocating for judicial reforms.

Ssemakadde’s conviction stems from a series of derogatory social media posts targeting Judge Ssekaana and the judiciary.

The case was filed by Hashim Mugisha, who accused Ssemakadde of undermining the court's authority and discrediting the judge with offensive remarks, including accusations of an "unholy alliance" between the judge, the Attorney General, and members of the Uganda Law Society.

One of Ssemakadde’s tweets allegedly referred to Judge Ssekaana in derogatory terms and falsely claimed sexual harassment. The court ruled that his statements constituted contempt, emphasizing that such acts undermine the judiciary's dignity and authority.

An arrest warrant has since been issued for Ssemakadde.

Despite the ruling, ULS remains defiant, demanding urgent judicial reforms, including the establishment of a Judicial Service Commission with democratically elected ULS nominees. The commission would expedite corruption investigations and push for greater accountability in the judiciary.

"Our demand, via Executive Order RNB No. 2 of 2024, for Radical Surgery of the Judiciary to weed out the corrupt and incompetent judicial officers remains," Asiimwe emphasised.

ULS has called on its members to stay vigilant and united in what it describes as a continued fight for justice and judicial accountability.