By Our Reporter
The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court has issued an international arrest warrant for Isaac Ssemakadde, the embattled President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), intensifying his ongoing legal troubles. The court’s directive authorizes the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to locate and apprehend Ssemakadde, whose current whereabouts remain unknown.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi issued the arrest order on Tuesday following an application by private prosecutors Tonny Tumukunde and Joshua Byamazima. The two lawyers have accused Ssemakadde of insulting the modesty of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo.
In his ruling, Magistrate Kayizzi stated that he was convinced Ssemakadde had fled Uganda and was now on the run outside the country. “Having carefully considered the application, I am satisfied that the accused is outside the jurisdiction of this court and is evading justice,” Kayizzi declared. “I hereby order the International Criminal Police Organization to arrest Isaac Ssemakadde on sight.”
The application by Tumukunde and Byamazima marks a significant escalation in a legal saga that has embroiled one of Uganda’s most high-profile and controversial legal figures. Earlier, the duo had sought Ssemakadde’s arrest through local law enforcement, but with the ULS President’s continued absence from Uganda, they turned to Interpol for assistance.
Background Of Ssemakadde’s Legal Woes
Ssemakadde, who also leads the self-styled “New Radical Bar,” has built a reputation as a fierce critic of the judicial establishment and state institutions. His outspoken views and unconventional approach to legal advocacy have earned him both admiration and criticism.
His current legal troubles stem from allegations that he made derogatory remarks against DPP Jane Frances Abodo, statements his critics argue crossed the line from advocacy into personal insult. The charges, officially filed by Tumukunde and Byamazima, allege that Ssemakadde’s comments were not only defamatory but also amounted to an affront to Abodo’s dignity as a public official.
The controversy around Ssemakadde is not new. In recent years, he has faced multiple accusations, ranging from professional misconduct to inciting public dissent. Despite these challenges, he was elected President of the Uganda Law Society in 2024, a testament to his strong following among younger, reform-minded lawyers.
However, his tenure has been marred by frequent clashes with senior judicial officers and allegations of unethical conduct. Critics argue that his confrontational style undermines the decorum expected of legal professionals, while supporters view him as a much-needed voice for accountability and reform in Uganda’s legal system.
What’s Next?
With the Interpol warrant now in effect, law enforcement agencies across member countries will be on the lookout for Ssemakadde. If arrested, he could be extradited back to Uganda to face trial. His legal team has not yet issued a formal response to the arrest warrant, and it remains unclear whether they will contest the Interpol directive.
As the legal drama unfolds, many in Uganda’s legal fraternity are watching closely to see how this high-stakes confrontation between Ssemakadde and the judicial establishment will end.
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