KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has vowed to defy a contempt of court ruling against its president, Isaac Ssemakadde, calling it “one-sided, irregular, and manifestly void of any legal effect.”
In a statement released on February 14, 2025, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony condemned the ruling by Judge Musa Ssekaana, describing it as a desperate attempt to silence the society’s advocacy for justice and accountability.
“If this blunt instrument of a misguided judicial officer was aimed at silencing our president’s voice and undermining our collective efforts, it has failed,” Asiimwe Anthony, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, said. “I assure you, we will not be intimidated.”
The ULS governing council and its members have pledged to remain vigilant and united in the face of adversity, urging corrective advocacy before a competent court.
“We must continue to stand strong and united in our pursuit of justice and accountability,” Asiimwe Anthony emphasized.
The society has also reiterated its demand for radical reforms within the judiciary, including the removal of corrupt and incompetent judicial officers. “Our demand, via Executive Order RNB No 2 of 2024, for Radical Surgery of the Judiciary… remains,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the ULS has announced its focus on constituting the forthcoming Judicial Service Commission with democratically elected nominees. These nominees will prioritize investigations into past, present, and future allegations, publishing their findings, and championing reforms to ensure merit, transparency, accountability, and equal opportunities within the judiciary.
