KAMPALA – Buganda Road Court has issued an international arrest warrant for Isaac Ssemakadde, the President of the Uganda Law Society, at the request of private prosecutors Tonny Tumukunde and Joshua Byamazima. Ssemakadde’s whereabouts are currently unknown.
The warrant was issued by Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, who was satisfied that Ssemakadde is on the run outside the country. The court has ordered Interpol to arrest him on sight.
The charges against Ssemakadde stem from allegations that he insulted the modesty of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo during a symposium in November 2024. The remarks, which went viral on social media, sparked public outrage.
Ssemakadde’s legal team had argued that he should not be compelled to appear in court in person, citing his illness and a pending High Court ruling. However, the prosecution insisted on his physical presence to formally address the charges.
This development marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against Ssemakadde, who is also facing separate charges for contempt of court. The Uganda Law Society president has been at the center of controversy in recent months, with his comments sparking widespread debate about free speech and the limits of public discourse.
