KAMPALA – In a bold move, Isaac K. Ssemakadde, President of the Uganda Law Society, has expelled the Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka Nsumikambi Mugambe, and the Solicitor General, along with their representatives, from the Uganda Law Society Council. This decision stems from growing concerns over the deteriorating justice system in Uganda, marked by disregard for the rule of law, impunity, and erosion of public trust.
According to Ssemakadde, the Uganda Law Society, as the guardian of the legal profession and champion of the rule of law, holds sacred the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability. However, the recent actions of the Attorney General and Solicitor General have compromised the integrity of the legal profession.
Ssemakadde cited several reasons for this expulsion, including the inherent conflict of interest and detrimental impact of the Attorney General and Solicitor General holding ex officio positions on the Uganda Law Society Council. This concern was highlighted in the Prof. Ssempebwa ULS Report (2012) and reinforced during the recent campaign for the leadership of the Uganda Law Society.
The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka Nsumikambi Mugambe, faces numerous allegations of misconduct, including abuse of office, conflict of interest, and professional misconduct. Specifically, he has been accused of:
- Failing to resign from private legal practice while in office, breaching Articles 2(2) and 113(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
- Causing financial loss to the government through questionable compensation deals, totaling Shs 28.8 billion, in connection with the Namanve-Luzira 132kV Transmission Line and Associated Substations.
- Misadvising Cabinet and Leaders on judicial matters, undermining the independence of the Judiciary and the legal profession.
- Interfering with appointment processes of judicial institutions, such as the Judicial Service Commission and Law Development Centre.
- Imposing unconstitutional decisions on the Uganda Law Reform Commission, requiring a fee for accessing Ugandan laws digitally.
- Condoning torture and subversion of bail, contrary to Uganda’s commitments under International Human Rights Law.
In light of these allegations, the Uganda Law Society has resolved to initiate a forensic investigation and public inquest into the conduct of the Attorney General. Ssemakadde emphasized that this move aims to safeguard the independence of the legal profession and restore public confidence in the justice system.
By expelling the Attorney General and Solicitor General from the Uganda Law Society Council, Ssemakadde seeks to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability. The Uganda Law Society remains committed to protecting the rule of law and ensuring that no person is above the law.
As the President of the Uganda Law Society, Ssemakadde’s actions demonstrate his unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
