NOT INTERESTED!! Isaac Ssemakadde Rejects Juicy Appointment Awarded To Him By Owiny Dollo

The President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Isaac Ssemakadde, has caused a stir after rejecting his appointment to the Law Reform Committee. In a strong letter dated June 17, 2025, Ssemakadde accused the Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, of promoting what he described as “judicial tyranny” and failing to uphold public accountability. His letter has sparked debate within the legal fraternity and beyond, with many wondering whether his decision was a lost chance to bring change from inside the system.

Ssemakadde’s refusal comes in the middle of a deep crisis in Uganda’s judiciary. In his letter, he referred to the humiliation he suffered earlier this year when he was removed from the programme during the opening of the New Law Year on February 7. According to him, the Chief Justice demanded an apology from him and went as far as declaring that the Bar was not welcome at the Judiciary’s functions. These actions, Ssemakadde said, created division instead of harmony between the Bench and the Bar.

The situation became worse for Ssemakadde when, on February 14, a warrant was issued for his arrest over alleged contempt of court directed at Justice Musa Ssekaana. He described this order as “manifestly void” and said it should have been removed a long time ago. Because of it, Ssemakadde said, he has been forced to live in self-imposed exile, unable to freely serve as head of the Law Society.

In his letter, Ssemakadde also pointed to bigger issues affecting the country’s justice system. He mentioned the recent lawyers’ strike in Masaka, where only one judge and one registrar are trying to handle a huge backlog of over 4,000 cases. He said this is not just a Masaka problem, but a sign that the entire justice system is failing due to lack of manpower and poor management. “Unmanned judiciary hardware has become the norm,” he said, painting a sad picture of the current state of Uganda’s courts.

Another issue he raised was the need to reform the old law that makes it a crime to “scandalize the judiciary.” Ssemakadde called this law a weapon used to silence critics of the judiciary, referring to it as a “blunt instrument of judicial tyranny.” He quoted British judge Simon Brown, saying that insults from the public against judicial officers should be treated lightly — perhaps with just a “wry smile” — rather than harsh punishment.

Although Ssemakadde turned down the appointment, he did not leave the position vacant. He recommended ULS Vice President Anthony Asimwe to represent the Law Society on the committee, saying he trusted Asimwe’s ability to work towards improving the law.

However, Ssemakadde’s decision has left many in the legal sector divided. Some believe he missed a great chance to fight for reforms from within, especially on issues like transparency, independence, and accountability of the judiciary. Others see his action as a courageous stand that highlights the serious problems in Uganda’s justice system and puts pressure on those in power to act.

As of now, the Judiciary has not given any official response to Ssemakadde’s hard-hitting letter. The nation watches closely to see how this standoff between the head of the Law Society and the top leadership of the Judiciary will unfold, and whether it will lead to any real change.