By Frank Kamuntu
In a statement issued on February 14, 2025, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly responded to the recent contempt of court ruling against its President, Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde. The statement, delivered by Vice President Asiimwe Anthony, reaffirms the society’s unwavering commitment to justice, transparency, and the rule of law, despite what they perceive as a concerted attempt to undermine their efforts.
The Uganda Law Society, known for its bold stance on legal reforms and justice, voiced its concern over what it called “the extreme measures” being plotted by its detractors to stifle the voices of its leadership, particularly its President, Isaac Ssemakadde. These detractors, according to the ULS, are intent on silencing the Radical New Bar movement—a group within the legal fraternity that has been pushing for judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures, and accountability in Uganda’s legal and political systems.
In the statement, the ULS expressed that last week’s remarks by the Chief Justice at the opening of the New Law Year were indicative of the challenges that lie ahead for the Radical New Bar. However, the society assures its members that it has not been caught off guard by the recent developments and remains vigilant and prepared to face these challenges head-on.
“Last week’s unfortunate statements of the Chief Justice… confirmed the extreme measures which our detractors have been plotting to oppress the Radical New Bar, starting with its courageous and charismatic President Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde,” said Vice President Asiimwe Anthony, asserting that the society has been ready for any future attempts to undermine their cause.
The statement took direct aim at the ruling by Judge Musa Ssekaana, describing it as a “one-sided, irregular contempt of court decision” that the ULS considers “manifestly void and of no legal effect whatsoever.” In response to the ruling, the ULS emphasized that the move was intended to silence their President and weaken their advocacy for justice and accountability. Yet, they declared, the attempt has failed.
As the ULS prepares for corrective action before what they believe to be the competent court, they called for solidarity and vigilance from their members. “We must continue to stand strong and united in our pursuit of justice and accountability,” the statement urged, reaffirming the society’s resolve to pursue the goals of judicial reform and the eradication of corruption.
A key demand for the Uganda Law Society remains its call for a “Radical Surgery of the Judiciary,” a reference to their ongoing efforts to rid the judicial system of corrupt and incompetent officers. This initiative was formalized through Executive Order RNB No 2 of 2024, which the ULS insists is crucial for restoring merit, transparency, and accountability within the judiciary.
However, the ULS’s immediate focus is on the upcoming establishment of the Judicial Service Commission, with the society pushing for the inclusion of democratically elected ULS nominees. The commission will play a pivotal role in investigating past and ongoing cases, with the goal of ensuring that the judiciary is free from corruption and inefficiency.
“The forthcoming Judicial Service Commission will be tasked with expediting past, present, and future investigations and publishing its findings. It will also champion reforms that ensure merit, transparency, accountability, and equal opportunities in our judiciary,” the ULS stated in its call to action.
Despite facing mounting opposition, the Uganda Law Society remains resolute in its mission. “I have every confidence that together, we will overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals,” Vice President Asiimwe Anthony concluded, urging all members to stay defiant in the face of adversity.
In this statement, the ULS has not only reaffirmed its position against the recent ruling but has also reinvigorated its campaign for systemic change in Uganda’s legal and judicial frameworks.
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