Buganda Road Court has postponed to January 17, 2025, the hearing of a case in which two lawyers accuse outspoken attorney Isaac Ssemakadde of allegedly insulting the modesty of Justice Jane Frances Abodo, Uganda’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Ssemakadde’s legal representatives, Derrick Bazekuketta and Eron Kiiza, strongly contested the complainants’ motion for criminal summons. They argued that the case is a personal matter and not within the purview of the complainants, identified as lawyers Byamazima and Tumukunde. They further contended that Justice Abodo has not filed any complaint and that the court lacks authority over the issue.
The defense also pointed to constitutional safeguards under Article 21, emphasizing the right to equality and fair treatment under the law. They stressed that any proceedings against Ssemakadde must be conducted in a manner that ensures justice and fairness.
By contrast, Byamazima and Tumukunde asserted that summoning Ssemakadde would uphold his right to defend himself. They submitted video evidence on a flash drive, claiming it contained the statements made during a symposium held on November 18, 2024.
The session turned confrontational when a procedural misunderstanding sparked debate. Byamazima referred to Bazekuketta as “My Learned Brother,” prompting a sharp correction from Bazekuketta, who insisted the proper term was “Learned Friend.”
Adding to the courtroom drama, lawyer Milton Ocen, sporting a T-shirt emblazoned with a slogan associated with Ssemakadde, sought to join the case as a friend of the court (amicus curiae). Ocen argued that excluding him could compromise Ssemakadde’s rights.
The court ultimately adjourned the case to allow further consideration of these arguments, leaving both sides bracing for the next phase of the legal battle.
