The Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde has issued a directive calling for a boycott of Judge Musa Ssekaana over allegations of judicial misconduct. In a statement released under Executive Order RnB No.3 of 2024 on Sunday, December 15, Ssemakadde outlined serious accusations against the judge, claiming his actions undermine the integrity of Uganda’s judicial system.
The ULS charges Judge Ssekaana with 18 counts of misconduct, including abuse of power, bias, failure to recuse himself in cases with clear conflicts of interest, and harassment. The Society also accused him of disregarding the law and engaging in behavior inconsistent with judicial ethics.
As part of the boycott, the ULS revoked the ‘Excellence from the Bench’ award that Judge Ssekaana received in 2021, directing him to return the award and remove any references to it from his CV and public profiles.
“The Society cannot condone actions that erode public confidence in the judiciary. This boycott is a stand for accountability and the rule of law,” the ULS statement read.
The directive follows Justice Ssekaana’s recent decision to halt the ULS’s extraordinary general meeting (EGM) and elections, which were scheduled for December 17, 2024. In his ruling, Justice Ssekaana cited procedural illegalities, a decision that has drawn criticism from the ULS leadership.
The Society has also called on the Judicial Service Commission to expedite investigations into complaints against the judge, with a report expected by January 15, 2025. The ULS further criticized the principal judge for not taking administrative action against Justice Ssekaana despite the growing number of complaints.
Ssemakadde warned ULS members who fail to adhere to the boycott directive that they may face disciplinary measures. He also announced plans to convene a general meeting before January 31, 2025, to review the boycott’s progress and discuss the judiciary’s performance report for the year 2024.
The ULS’s move has sparked debate within the legal community, with some applauding the Society’s commitment to accountability and others calling for careful consideration to avoid undermining the judiciary.