The President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Isaac Ssemakadde has reiterated his commitment to upholding the Society’s principles of democracy and accountability following what he described as a deliberate attempt by the judiciary to suppress the upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled for December 17, 2024.
In a bold statement, Ssemakadde criticized Justice Musa Ssekaana’s decision to grant an injunction that temporarily halts the EGM. He referred to the judge’s ruling as “patently erroneous” and accused Ssekaana’s court of aligning with elitist interests to stifle the voice of ULS members.
“This is a stark reminder of the judiciary’s captured state,” Ssemakadde remarked. “Ssekaana’s court has a troubling history of inconsistent rulings and blatant disregard for higher court judgments. This ruling is another example of his predisposition to protect the corrupt establishment rather than uphold the rule of law.”
The controversial injunction stems from two applications filed to block the EGM, which had been called to address critical governance issues within the Society, including leadership disputes and nominations for the Judicial Service Commission. The Radical New Bar, a progressive faction within the ULS led by Ssemakadde, views the EGM as a vital platform for promoting transparency and accountability.
Ssemakadde assured ULS members that the EGM was not canceled but merely delayed. “Our historic extraordinary general meeting is merely delayed but will proceed as planned,” he affirmed. “We will not be intimidated by Ssekaana’s anxieties or the puppeteers pulling the strings behind the scenes.”
The Radical New Bar has vowed to resist any decisions that undermine the Society’s democratic values. “Any attempt to silence our legitimate activities will be met with fierce resistance,” Ssemakadde declared. “We will stand firm against regressive elements within the judiciary and ensure the voices of our members are heard.”
The legal fraternity remains sharply divided over the ongoing disputes, which include challenges to the leadership of Ssemakadde and Vice President Asiimwe Anthony. Critics have accused the current leadership of procedural irregularities, while supporters argue that their actions are necessary to reform the ULS and restore its integrity.
As the ULS prepares for the December 17 EGM, tensions are expected to escalate further. Ssemakadde’s resolute stance reflects the growing frustration among members advocating for change, setting the stage for a significant showdown in the Society’s quest for democracy and accountability.