Isaac Ssemakadde Judiciary tensions have flared once again as the Uganda Law Society (ULS) President turned down a position on the Judiciary’s Law Reform Committee, citing judicial corruption, suppression of critics, and unresolved misconduct.
In a letter dated June 17, 2025, addressed to Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, Ssemakadde firmly rejected the offer to serve. He pointed out that his continued exile, caused by what he deems an unlawful contempt of court order, makes his involvement in reform efforts untenable.
Forced Into Exile Over Contempt Case
The contentious court order, issued on February 14 by Justice Musa Ssekaana, followed social media remarks critical of the judge. Ssemakadde described the ruling as legally baseless and politically motivated. He left Uganda shortly after, citing credible threats of detention.
According to his legal advisors, the ruling has not been set aside and continues to block his return. This, Ssemakadde argues, undermines any call for him to participate in reform under the same system that forced him out.
Longstanding Rift With Judiciary Leadership
The friction between Ssemakadde and Uganda’s judiciary is far from new. As the founder of Legal Brains Trust and head of the ULS’s Radical New Bar faction, he has repeatedly challenged senior judges on issues ranging from access to justice to unchecked power.
In 2024, his faction pushed for a boycott of Justice Ssekaana, citing complaints of judicial bias, emotional outbursts in court, and a disregard for due process. The Court of Appeal later supported this view, ruling in the Kiwanuka v. Kiwanuka case that the judge had fallen short of constitutional standards.
Despite this, no disciplinary measures have been announced against Ssekaana. In his rejection letter, Ssemakadde openly asked the Chief Justice whether he would also demand a public apology from the judge in question.
Crisis at the Opening of the Legal Year
Tensions reached a boiling point during the ceremonial launch of the 2025 legal year. Ssemakadde was reportedly excluded from the speakers’ lineup. At the same event, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo declared that lawyers critical of the judiciary were not welcome in “his house” unless they issued an apology.
Earlier, in January, ULS had requested a joint meeting with judicial leaders to ease growing hostility. That meeting never took place, a development that further exposed the communication breakdown between the Bench and the Bar.
Urgent Need for Legal Reform
A key part of Ssemakadde’s rejection lies in his criticism of Uganda’s contempt of court laws, particularly the outdated offense of “scandalising the judiciary.” He says these laws are used to punish critics and erode public confidence in the courts.
He also referenced a 2021 report from the Inspectorate of Government, which found that Shs763 billion in bribes were paid to court officials. Ssemakadde argued that this level of corruption disqualifies the current Judiciary from leading any credible reform initiative.
“Critics are forced out of the country while complaints against judges are ignored. That alone disqualifies the Judiciary from reform leadership,” he wrote.
Calls for a Suitable Replacement
Instead of accepting the post, Ssemakadde nominated ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe as a suitable replacement. He expressed complete faith in Asiimwe’s capacity to uphold the society’s reform agenda.
So far, the Judiciary has not commented on Ssemakadde’s rejection, but the letter has intensified public debate around transparency, judicial independence, and Uganda’s broader legal climate.
Further Reading
For related developments in Uganda’s governance and law enforcement, read about the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 and its constitutional implications as well as the Makindye police officer’s theft case that raised public outcry.
To explore Ssemakadde’s background, visit his Wikipedia page or view his official profile on the Uganda Law Society website.
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