The Uganda Law Society (ULS) finds itself embroiled in a leadership crisis as internal tensions rise against its newly elected president, Mr. Isaac Ssemakadde. A faction of the Uganda Law Society Council, led by Secretary Counsel Phillip Munaabi, has moved to expel Mr. Isaac Ssemakadde, citing concerns about his conduct and governance.
In a decision issued under ULS Council Order No. 001 of 2024, the dissident members accused Mr. Ssemakadde of using inappropriate and derogatory language, including recent remarks directed at Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Ms. Jane Frances Abodo during a political event organized by the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) faction in Kampala. The faction claims these actions have tarnished the Law Society's reputation.
“To restore public trust and confidence in the Uganda Law Society and the legal profession, we resolve to expel Mr. Isaac Ssemakadde Kimeze from the Uganda Law Society Council to safeguard the Society’s reputation,” reads part of the notice signed by Mr. Munaabi and other dissenting members.
The same faction further alleges that Mr. Isaac Ssemakadde and his vice president, Mr. Anthony Asiimwe, overstepped their mandate by conducting unauthorized online banking approvals for Uganda Law Society finances.
In response, Mr. Isaac Ssemakadde and five Council members issued a joint statement dismissing the expulsion as illegitimate. They declared that the alleged resolutions had neither been deliberated on nor approved by the Council.
“The document is not an official record of the Uganda Law Society Council. The Council has not considered or passed any of the seven resolutions contained in it,” read the statement co-signed by Mr. Isaac Ssemakadde, Mr. Anthony Asiimwe, Mr. Arthur Isiko (treasurer), Mr. Samuel Muhumuza (Western representative), Mr. Eddie Nangulu (Eastern representative), and Mr. Emmanuel Egaru (Northern representative).
Amid the chaos, Mr. Isaac Ssemakadde expelled Mr. Munaabi and appointed Mr. Eddie Nangulu as interim Secretary. Central Region representative Geoffrey Turyamusiima was also expelled, pending a general meeting set for December 17th to resolve the matter.
This latest controversy comes just a month after Mr. Ssemakadde removed Attorney General, senior counsel Mr. Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Solicitor General Mr. Francis Atoke from the Uganda Law Society Council. He defended his decision as necessary to protect the independence of the legal profession from government influence.
The unfolding power struggle has placed the Uganda Law Society in the spotlight, raising questions about the Society’s governance and its ability to uphold its mandate amidst escalating internal divisions.
