Court Orders Mediation in Uganda Law Society Leadership Conflict
A dispute over the upcoming Uganda Law Society (ULS) Extraordinary General Meeting has been referred for mediation by Justice Musa Ssekaana. The case, brought by ULS member Hashim Mugisha Mugisha, revolves around contested decisions by the ULS leadership and has highlighted internal divisions within the society.
During a court session on Wednesday, ULS lawyer Jude Byamukama requested 30 minutes to resolve the matter amicably through a consent agreement. However, Justice Ssekaana declined the request for a brief recess, opting instead to give the parties more time to mediate. He emphasized that if the mediation fails, he would issue a ruling on the matter by December 13, 2024.
Court documents reveal that Mugisha filed the case against the ULS, Eddy Nangulu (Interim Secretary), and Phillip Munaabi (Suspended Secretary). He is challenging several decisions, including the expulsion of former ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde and Vice President Asiimwe Anthony, as well as the suspension of Munaabi and Geoffrey Turyamusiima from the ULS Council. Mugisha claims these decisions were illegal, procedurally flawed, and violated the ULS Council Charter.
Mugisha’s application seeks to nullify these decisions and declares a November 24, 2024, ULS Council meeting unlawful. He argues that as a committed member of the ULS, he has a vested interest in ensuring that the society’s operations adhere to proper procedures.
In response, lawyer Steven Kalali criticized the application, alleging it is a deliberate attempt to derail the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for December 17, 2024. Kalali asserts that the meeting, convened to comply with a court directive in an earlier case, includes important agenda items like the election of ULS representatives to the Judicial Service Commission.
Kalali contends that Mugisha’s claims are baseless and that the contested actions by the ULS Council have no legal impact on the scheduled meeting. He also dismissed documents issued by suspended Secretary Phillip Munaabi as fraudulent and devoid of effect, asserting that the society’s President and Vice President remain in office and continue to perform their duties.
Justice Ssekaana has also scheduled December 13, 2024, to rule on a related application by former ULS President Pheona Nabasa Wall. Wall is challenging the ULS’s decision not to nominate her as a candidate for the Judicial Service Commission elections.
The ULS dispute has underscored internal tensions, with some members accusing the leadership of overstepping its mandate. The mediation process is expected to provide an opportunity to resolve the conflict, failing which the court will step in with its decision.
