Latest Posts

Fourteen Candidates Unite to Defend ULS Autonomy, Vow to Challenge Justice Ssekaana’s Injunction

Fourteen candidates vying for the position of Uganda Law Society (ULS) representatives on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) have joined forces to defend the independence of the ULS, following a court ruling they claim undermines the organization’s autonomy.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the ULS headquarters in Kampala, the candidates, through Acting ULS Chief Executive Officer Christine Awori, issued a joint statement expressing concern over a decision by Justice Musa Ssekaana to block an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) where elections for ULS representatives to the JSC were set to take place.

Justice Ssekaana’s ruling, delivered on December 13, 2024, followed a petition by ULS member Hashim Mugisha, who questioned the legality of the meeting and the process by which the vacancies arose. The decision also reinstated two officials, Phillip Munaabi and Geoffrey Turyamusiima, to their previous ULS Council positions.

The candidates described the ruling as a threat to the legal fraternity’s independence and warned of its potential to erode the rule of law in Uganda. They argued that the judgment undermines the ULS’s constitutional mandate and professional integrity, calling it an assault on democracy within the legal profession.

In their joint statement, the candidates pledged to uphold the independence of the ULS and outlined four key actions:

1. Resisting External Interference: They vowed to oppose any attempts to turn the ULS into a tool for external interests.

2. Legal Challenges: They committed to using lawful means to counter actions threatening ULS autonomy.

3. Mobilizing Support: The candidates called on all members of the legal fraternity, including judges, advocates, and legal scholars, to unite in defense of the ULS.

4. Backing Leadership: They expressed support for ULS leadership’s efforts to protect the organization’s independence through legal and institutional avenues.

ULS lawyer Jude Byamukama emphasized the urgency of holding elections, warning that the absence of ULS representatives on the JSC would leave the commission incomplete and unable to lawfully carry out its mandate, including the recruitment and appointment of judicial officers. He described Justice Ssekaana’s ruling as judicial overreach, arguing that it interferes with the democratic processes of the ULS.

The dispute traces back to a decision by ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde to recall two lawyers, Ruth Sebantindira and Norah Matovu Winyi, from their roles as ULS nominees to the JSC. Ssemakadde’s action followed a High Court ruling in February 2024, which declared the practice of appointing ULS representatives without elections a violation of the ULS Act and election regulations.

Mugisha’s petition, which led to Justice Ssekaana’s injunction, questioned both the legality of the EGM and the procedures for filling the vacant posts.

The legal fraternity has reacted strongly to Justice Ssekaana’s ruling. The ULS has rescinded the Award of Excellence previously granted to him in 2021, demanding its return and removal from his records. ULS President Ssemakadde also issued an executive order urging members to boycott Ssekaana for at least a month.

The candidates reiterated their commitment to ensuring the ULS remains a symbol of justice and accountability, vowing not to relent in defending its autonomy. They warned that allowing interference in the society’s operations would set a dangerous precedent for the legal profession and justice system in Uganda.

The ULS and its candidates continue to push for immediate elections, emphasizing that the integrity of the JSC depends on full representation from the legal fraternity. As tensions persist, the broader implications of the ruling on the rule of law and judicial independence in Uganda remain a central concern.

Loading

Don't Miss

EXPOSED! Muyenga Tycoon’s Maid Cited In Land Wrangle

In recent days, Muyenga, Y2K Zone a push Kampala suburb,

Parliament Orders Closure Of Fuelex Petrol Stations For Adulterating Fuel

The Parliamentary Committee on Trade And Industry led by Mbarara

Big Story: Parliament Probes UETCL Bosses Over Corruption, Mismanagement & Controversial UGX 28Billion Compensation Deal

Members of Parliament on the Committee on Environment and Natural

‘Back Off Buganda Land’ Kabaka Mutebi Castigates People Pushing For Abolition Of Mailo Land Tenure System

The Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has

Big Story: IGG Probes Over Shs1bn Ubos Fraud

The Inspector General of Government (IGG) is investigating top officials

EXPLOSIVE: How Speaker Kadaga & Confidant Hon. Okupa Spent Over US $764,000 (Shs2.8 BN) In-less Than 2 Years In Travels Abroad

Since taking office as Deputy Speaker of Parliament way back

Ham Vs DTB Appeal: Bank Of Uganda Runs Out Of Case, Leaves DTB To Carry Its Own Cross

Bank of Uganda has officially quit the case involving city

Amnesty International Joins Push To Free Presidential Runner Robert Kyagulanyi

The Ugandan authorities must immediately lift the police and military

Exporters Call For Strong Action Against EAC States’ Trade Barriers

Manufacturers have called on the government to impose tough measures

Big Story: How KCCA Officials Messed Up Youth Fund Programs, Stole Billions of Gov’t Funds In Shoddy Deals

Kampala: If there is any government Authority that frustrating President

I Predict Museveni, NRM Victory In 2021 Elections

By Faruk Kirunda Kampala: As we dive into the high

Crisis: Lord Mayor Lukwago Defies Court Order, Appoints Balondemu As Chairman K’la District Land Board

Veteran lawyer Hajji Elias Lukwago, who is the Kampala city

Scandal: Stanbic Bank Bosses Allegedly Steal Borrowers’ Land Titles, Mortgage Them To Dfcu Bank

Several officials at Stanbic Bank are in deep trouble after

Scandal: KCCA Officials On Spot For Blowing Shs 8Bn Under The Guise Of Renovating Old Tax Park

Several officials at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), are

Covid-19 Crisis: Ugandan Students Expected To Sit For UNEB Exams In March 2021

All indications are that a dead year will not be

BoU To Appeal In Supreme Court Over Trashed Crane Bank Case

The Bank of Uganda (BOU) has said it will be

Shame As Top Police Boss Is Convicted Of Car Theft, Ordered To Pay Over Shs282M

Untold shame has engulfed the Uganda Police a senior officer

Just In! Energy Mafias Rock Parliament As Patriotic Young Turks Question AIGP Akullo’s Involvement In Min. Energy Corruption

Panic has rocked Parliament as renowned Parliamentarian and Lawyer Hon.

Energy Mafias Debunked Part III: How Werikhe, Turyagyenda Corruptly Swindled Shs15 Bn For 3 Electricity Distribution Projects In Acholi, Bunyoro & Kiruhura

FUNDING THE COUP THROUGH ENERGY AND MINERALS CORRUPTION By the

Just In: Top Energy Officials Fired On Presidential Orders Over Massive Theft Of Electricity Distribution Funds

By Our Reporter Kampala: Two senior officials of Rural Electrification

Salary Scam Hits KCCA AS 29bn Is Paid To Ghost Workers

After Eng Andrew Kitata took over as the acting Executive

NSSF Bill: President Museveni Writes To Speaker Oulanyah

President Yoweri Museveni has formally written to the Speaker of

Sex Pest: Teenager In Kasese Impregnates 12 Girls On Same Village, Escapes

Authorities in the western Uganda district of Kasese are in