The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has sharply criticized ongoing delays in court proceedings involving its President, Mr. Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde, describing the inaction as a threat to justice, the legal profession, and the democratic values underpinning the judiciary.
In a strongly worded statement released by ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony, the society expressed “grave concern” over the Judiciary’s failure to schedule hearing dates for multiple cases involving Mr. Ssemakadde. The delays, they argue, not only endanger his personal liberty amid multiple active arrest warrants including an international one but also obstruct the ULS’s ability to fulfill its statutory obligations.
“The current impasse paints a picture of hostility between the Judiciary and the Uganda Law Society,” the statement read. “It is unacceptable that matters so critical to legal governance and fundamental rights are left in limbo.”
President Ssemakadde is facing escalating legal pressure, including a two-year prison sentence for contempt of court imposed by Justice Musa Ssekaana in February 2025 over allegedly derogatory comments. Further tensions were fueled when Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo banned Ssemakadde from speaking at the 2025 New Law Year opening, demanding an apology for alleged insults.
Despite a letter dated January 16, in which ULS called for cordial engagement with Judiciary Top Management, and an offer by Justice Minister Hon. Norbert Mao to mediate the standoff, the situation remains unresolved.
“The Mediation Summit of Bar-Bench Leaders cannot become a substitute for justice,” Asiimwe stated. “Pending cases concerning the President’s liberty, the mandate of the legal profession, and public legal service must be handled expeditiously.”
Several high-profile cases remain in limbo:
1. High Court Criminal Division Miscellaneous Application No. 0030 of 2025 – Ssemakadde’s application for a stay of private prosecution at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has been adjourned sine die, with no ruling date in sight.
2. High Court Civil Division Miscellaneous Application No. 137 of 2025 – A critical application seeking suspension of Ssemakadde’s contempt conviction and sentence is yet to be assigned a judge or hearing date.
3. Court of Appeal Civil Appeals Nos. 98, 99, and 102 – These appeals arise from Judge Ssekaana’s ruling that annulled the ULS Extraordinary General Meeting, challenging the Society’s internal governance.
4. High Court Civil Division Miscellaneous Cause No. 33 of 2025 – A habeas corpus application filed over the alleged military detention of ULS member Advocate Eron Kiiza also remains unheard.
The ULS insists that the Judiciary must demonstrate its independence and impartiality by facilitating the timely disposal of these matters.
“At stake is not only the freedom of our President but the integrity of the legal system itself,” the statement concluded. “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
The Judiciary has yet to issue a formal response.