(Kampala) – The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has been thrust into controversy as its President, Isaac Ssemakadde, and Vice President, Anthony Asiimwe, were expelled from the ULS Council just two months after assuming office.
The decision, formalized in Council Order 001 of 2024, was issued by ULS Honorary Secretary Philip Munaabi, citing actions deemed harmful to the society’s reputation and operations. The expulsion has sparked significant debate among legal professionals, dividing opinions on the matter.
The council’s resolution accused Ssemakadde of using inappropriate language against key government officials, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo, and Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka. Asiimwe faced allegations of unauthorized online banking transactions for ULS and promoting claims of a staff witch-hunt, creating a management crisis within the organization. Both officials, along with their agents, have been barred from accessing ULS offices, with violations subject to criminal charges.
In a move described by some as a coup, Munaabi announced the formation of an internal caretaker committee to temporarily lead the association. According to Geoffrey Turyamusiima, a council member representing the Buganda region, the resolution was passed with the support of six out of eight council members present at the meeting. “We followed due process and have the minutes to substantiate our decision,” he stated. However, when asked about the legal basis for the expulsion, Turyamusiima referred vaguely to the Ugandan Constitution and a new radical bar policy.
The decision to expel Ssemakadde followed mounting criticism over a viral video in which he made derogatory remarks about Abodo. The backlash came from government officials, professional legal bodies, and Members of Parliament from the Karamoja region, who demanded an apology. Amid the controversy, Ssemakadde is reportedly on sick leave.
The expulsion has elicited mixed reactions within the legal community. Some members, including lawyer Silver Kayondo, applauded the council for taking decisive action to protect the association’s integrity. “We cannot allow ULS to devolve into a comedy show,” Kayondo remarked. Others, however, questioned the legality of the council’s actions. Former ULS President Francis Gimara criticized the council, stating, “The ULS council lacks the legal mandate to expel elected officials. Such decisions must be made by members at a general meeting.”
Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, another member of the legal fraternity, dismissed the council’s move as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the association. “This is an association of learned friends, not a playground for personal agendas,” Nalukoola said, adding that only a general meeting could authorize such a suspension. Similarly, Humphrey Tumwesigye argued that the council’s actions were beyond its jurisdiction.
Despite the expulsion, Asiimwe maintained that he and Ssemakadde remained in charge of ULS and urged members to ignore Munaabi’s statement. Efforts to contact Ssemakadde for a response were unsuccessful.
Adding to the intrigue, Ssemakadde and Asiimwe had previously issued executive orders removing Kiryowa Kiwanuka and the Solicitor General from the ULS council and challenging the appointments of Ruth Sebatindira and Norah Matovu to the Judicial Service Commission. Critics believe these actions made the duo targets for retaliation.
In response to their expulsion, a statement purportedly signed by Ssemakadde, Asiimwe, and four other council members claimed to have suspended Munaabi and Turyamusiima during an electronic meeting.
The ULS Act specifies conditions under which a council member can be removed, including disqualification as an advocate, conflicts of interest, mental incapacity, or by a special resolution at a general meeting. Whether the current conflict adheres to these provisions remains a point of contention.
| Allegations and Actions Against ULS Leaders | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accusation | Target | Council’s Action |
| Using inappropriate language | Isaac Ssemakadde | Expulsion from ULS Council |
| Unauthorized banking transactions | Anthony Asiimwe | Expulsion from ULS Council |
| Alleged staff witch-hunt | Anthony Asiimwe | Expulsion from ULS Council |
| Derogatory remarks in viral video | Isaac Ssemakadde | Cited in expulsion decision |