“It’s Because Of Us That They Gave Up” Issac Ssemakade Spills Bean On Dr Kizza Besigye’s Lawyer Martha’s Legal Victory

Isaac Ssemakadde, the president of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), has publicly celebrated a major victory in the case of Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, whose right to practice law in Uganda was initially rejected by the government.

Ssemakadde revealed that international pressure played a pivotal role in forcing Ugandan authorities to backtrack on their decision. The unified stance of the global legal community, according to Ssemakadde, was instrumental in compelling the Uganda Law Council to reconsider its position. He further emphasized that mounting pressure from international legal bodies, combined with the threat of regional repercussions, led to this significant reversal.

The dramatic change in stance by the Uganda Law Council came after intense diplomatic pressure, including threats from the Law Society of Kenya. These threats of reciprocal action ultimately led Uganda’s legal authorities to issue Karua a temporary practicing certificate. Ssemakadde provided insight into the behind-the-scenes negotiations that took place, revealing that the government realized the serious international implications of its initial rejection. He pointed out that coordinated efforts from regional legal bodies created unprecedented pressure, which ultimately influenced the decision.

As a result of this reversal, Karua is now able to represent high-profile defendants, such as Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutaale, in the General Court Martial. This marks a significant shift in Uganda’s approach to international legal cooperation. Ssemakadde also pointed out the fierce opposition to the initial rejection from both local and international legal communities. He interpreted the reversal as a clear message that Uganda’s legal system must align with international standards.

This victory has set a new precedent for cross-border legal practice within East Africa. Ssemakadde stressed that the success demonstrates the power of international legal solidarity in upholding professional standards. The dramatic reversal marks a major shift in Uganda’s legal landscape, with Ssemakadde confirming that international solidarity was decisive in securing this landmark achievement.