By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Isaac Ssemakadde, the President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), has declined his appointment to the Law Reform Committee, citing concerns over judicial tyranny and lack of public accountability.
In a strongly worded letter dated June 17, Ssemakadde expressed his disappointment with Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo’s actions, which he believes have undermined the credibility of the judiciary.
Ssemakadde’s decision comes amid his ongoing self-exile following a February 14 arrest warrant issued over alleged contempt of court against Justice Musa Ssekaana.
“A manifestly void order… has been pending expungement for far too long, forcing me indefinitely into exile,” he said, warning that it raises concerns about “the judiciary’s credibility, fairness, and efficiency.”
The ULS President also condemned delays in the justice system, highlighting the lawyers’ strike in Masaka over a backlog of 4,290 cases managed by only one judge and registrar.
“Masaka is not an outlier. Unmanned judiciary hardware has become the norm,” he noted.
Ssemakadde urged the Law Reform Committee to prioritize reform of the colonial-era law on “scandalizing the judiciary,” which he described as “a blunt instrument of judicial tyranny.”
Quoting British judge Simon Brown, he added: “Citizen insults of judicial officers should warrant no more than ‘a wry smile’.”
He recommended ULS Vice President Anthony Asimwe to take his place, stating: “I have full confidence in his abilities to contribute to the noble endeavour of law reform.”
However, some legal observers argue that Ssemakadde’s decision to reject the appointment may amount to a missed opportunity to enact reforms from within.
“Participation in the Law Reform Committee would have given the ULS a crucial platform to influence key decisions, especially on issues like transparency, public accountability, and the independence of the judiciary,” they said.
The Judiciary has not yet responded to Ssemakadde’s letter.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Whatsapp: +256786288379 or email binocularugnews@gmail.com
