JSC slots: 14 lawyers say unshaken by High Court injunction

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The 14 lawyers that are competing for the two slots of representing Uganda Law Society (ULS) on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) say they are unshaken by the temporary injunction issued by High Court Judge, Musa Ssekaana, blocking the ULS extraordinary general meeting that was scheduled for December 17, 2024.

They include Elison Karuhanga, Dr Christopher Mbazira, Paul Mukiibi, Mariam Nabulime Mbabali, Frank Kanduho, Dr Conrad Anthony Kakooza, Dr Patricia Atim, Alex Rezida and Diana Nabuuso Katimbo. Others are Shamim Amolo, Denis Kusaasira, Fred Milton Ocen, Richard Omongole and Edison Ruyondo. 

During the blocked extraordinary general meeting, the over 5,000 ULS members were among others set to elect their two representatives to JSC in a first-of-its-kind election because previously, the representatives were appointed by ULS executive council. However, the current leadership headed by Isaac Ssemakadde argues that the appointments were contrary to the ULS Act.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the candidates do not only express displeasure against Justice Ssekaana, but say they have now resolved to use all lawful means to challenge any affronts to the Independence of the lawyers’ body.

According to the group, it is time for the members of the legal fraternity on the bench, at the bar and in academia to rise, unite and safeguard the Independence of the ULS.

“We are resolute, unshaken and we will fight. Together we will ensure that ULS remains a beacon of justice, accountability and fearlessness in Uganda,” the joint statement reads in part.

Justice Ssekaana who has since directed parties to file written submissions before making his ruling in the main case on January 15, next year, blocked the meeting pending the disposal of the main case filed by lawyer Hashim Mugisha.

ULS lawyer in the case Jude Byamukama said the temporary injunction issued by Justice Ssekaana amounts to gagging the ULS from doing its mandate.

Byamukama also called for the amendment of the ULS Act saying being an old legislation some of its provisions are outdated and untenable.

“The ULS Act provides that aggrieved members require only 15 signatures to challenge a decision. So, to me this is too low given that the membership of the ULS has now grown to 5,000,” Byamukama said.

Explaining the consequences of the order, Byamukama said it means that if ULS does not elect the new members, there will be a leadership vacuum at JSC given that Ruth Sebatindira and Norah Matovu’s tenure expires this month.

Issuing a temporary injunction restraining ULS or its agents and servants from holding the extraordinary general meeting, Ssekaana said the duty to uphold the law should be sacrosanct for everything done by ULS and should not be cherry-picked simply because elections have a higher stake.

In his case, Mugisha is challenging the expulsion of the Attorney General and Solicitor General from the ULS Council and the suspension of Philip Munaabi as ULS secretary, and Geoffrey Turyamusiima as central region representative, arguing that it was illegally done.

Munaabi and Turyamusiima were suspended by the ULS council after they issued an order suspending Ssemakadde and his vice, Anthony Asiimwe.

They suspended Ssemakadde over insulting the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo while Asiimwe for allegedly usurping the powers of the ULS secretary.