KAMPALA.
Maverick self-exiled Uganda Law Society President , Mr Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde, has turned down an appointment by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo to serve on the Judiciary’s Law Reform Committee.
According to Mr Ssemakadde he cannot take up the new position due to what he described as “ serious concerns about the Judiciary” , including its alleged failure to tackle judicial misconduct and uphold principles of justice and accountability
“I acknowledge receipt of the instrument of appointment dated May 19, 2025, wherein you appointed me as a member of the Law Reform Committee. I refuse the appointment,” Mr Ssemakadde wrote in a statement.
He added: “Instead of demanding apologies, Mr Chief Justice, focus on ensuring fair, transparent, and speedy hearings, particularly in cases that involve criticism of the Judiciary.”
The Chief Justice had invoked powers under Article 133 of the Constitution, Section 6 of the Administration of the Judiciary Act, 2020, and Regulation 5 of the Administration of the Judiciary (Establishment of Committee) Regulations, 2003, to appoint Mr Ssemakadde as a committee member.
“Your appointment shall take immediate effect and shall run for the duration you hold office as the president of the Uganda Law Society,” appointment letter reads in part
The Law Reform Committee is mandated to carry out reforms under Regulation 24 of the Administration of the Judiciary (Establishment of Committee) Regulations, 2023.
However, Mr Ssemakadde cited several reasons for turning down the offer. He accused Mr Owiny -Dollo of failing to address staffing shortages, especially in Masaka, where lawyers are currently on strike due to a lack of judges. He also faulted him for failing to discipline judges who have allegedly acted unethically.
Mr Ssemakadde instead recommended that his deputy, Mr Anthony Asiimwe, be appointed in his place.
“I recommend Mr Asiimwe for appointment to the Law Reform Committee in my place. I am confident in his ability to make a meaningful contribution to this important cause. Therefore, I unapologetically decline the appointment.” He added .
Tensions between Mr Ssemakadde and the Judiciary date back to last year when he assumed the presidency of the Law Society. The conflict escalated during the opening of the New Law Year in Kampala in February this year. At the event, Mr Ssemakadde walked up to the podium as Mr Owiny-Dollo was speaking and demanded to be allowed to address the audience of legal professionals.
The Chief Justice denied his request, saying Mr Ssemakadde first needed to apologise for using vulgar language against members of the Judiciary on social media, particularly against Justice Musa Ssekaana of the Court of Appeal.
In protest, Mr Ssemakadde walked out of the event with a group of lawyers.
Speaking to journalists afterward, Mr Ssemakadde said he would never apologise and remained unapologetic.
Soon after, Justice Ssekaana sentenced him to two years in prison for contempt of court. But by that time , Mr Ssemakadde had already fled the country and has remained in self-imposed exile.
Meanwhile, the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court also issued an international arrest warrant against him in a separate case where he is accused of indecent assault against the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Jane Frances Abodo.
Speaking to this newspaper earlier this week, Mr Ssemakadde, who last year campaigned under the slogan “Bang the table,” claimed that there are at least 17 arrest warrants issued against him.