Law Society presidency: Ssemakadde poll victory draws mixed reactions

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KAMPALA - The election of Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde as the new Uganda Law Society (ULS) president has drawn mixed reactions among the members of the legal fraternity.

While some have welcomed his election, others say his rise to the helm of ULS may tear the association apart.

ULS is majorly charged with ensuring professionalism and fostering access to justice in the country.

'Time to unite' 

A number of lawyers who preferred anonymity said they voted Ssemakadde not because they love him or for what he does, but because they wanted to send a statement to those in power that they are not happy with the way they are being treated by the key stakeholders in the justice system.

“I don’t like Ssemakadde but I have voted for him to send a message to those in authority that things are not okay," one lawyer, who asked not to be named, said.

In contrast, another lawyer said the election of Ssemakadde is an embarrassment to the legal profession and if he does not tone down, ULS will cause a rift with the Judiciary, the Attorney General and other key stakeholders in the justice system, which may leave it (ULS) isolated.

Lawyer Isaac Mpanga said the declaration of Ssemakadde as winner symbolizes the strength of ULS systems right from nomination to the declaration of the winner. 
“It is time to unite and forge forward,” he said.

Human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo congratulated Ssemakadde upon his election. He said it is now time for the ULS president-elect to focus on hard work to deliver the promises he made to the members of the legal fraternity.

Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, a lawyer and politician, said the election of Ssemakadde means a new dawn in the legal profession.

Makerere law don Dr Kabumba Busingye said the elections were not about Ssemakadde but a referendum on the place of ULS and lawyers in the struggle for democracy and freedom in the country.

Convincing victory

Ssemakadde, who describes himself as an anti-clockwise thinker who cannot obey standing orders, defeated Isaac Atukunda, the outgoing ULS secretary general in an election which registered a high turnout on Saturday.

Riding on the slogan of ‘Back on track, bang the tables', Ssemakadde polled 2,101 votes against Atukunda's 898 votes. 

Ssemakadde is set to replace Bernard Oundo.

Some commentators argued that decampgaining Ssemakadde by the key stakeholders in the justice system gave him an upper hand in the elections because many lawyers are not happy with them.

Ssemakadde said in his time at the helm of ULS, he will ensure access to justice for all.

Ssemakadde's plans

In his victory speech, Ssemakadde thanked former ULS president Francis Gimara, saying he is the only senior member of the Bar who invited him for a cup of coffee and also donated sh1 million to his campaigns.

He also thanked Dr Diana Nabwiso, Aringa South MP Yorke Odria Alioni and Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjula for standing with him while his reputation was under question.

Ssemakadde said he will ensure access to justice for all, saying existing inequalities in regard to access to justice hinders access to employment opportunities for many people.

He said lack of access to legal services and justice can be a result and cause of poverty and inequality. 

“Animate needs for legal advice and representation are not just a matter for advocates, tell that to Owek. David Mpanga and everybody who got it wrong today and all those who brought clever to the Bar. 

"Tell that to the gudi gudis, dimwits, rotten tomatoes to the Bar and the Judiciary,” said Ssemakadde.

He said his focus will be on strengthening rule of law, democracy, legal aid to the disadvantaged people and providing incentives to the members of the legal fraternity to willingly provide probono services.

Moses Mwase, the chairman of the ULS election committee, thanked the National Electoral Commission for the support it afforded to them that enabled them to deliver a free and fair electoral process.

He said the elections were historic in the history of ULS due to the high turnout of the members. 

Outgoing president Oundo congratulated the new executive and wished them success.

Who is Ssemakadde?

While at Law Development Centre (LDC), Ssemakadde co-founded Legal Brains Trust.
A renowned public interest and human rights lawyer, Ssemakadde worked at AF Mpanga (Bowmans), before setting up Centre for Legal Aid through which he practices public interest litigation.

Some of the prominent figures that Ssemakadde has represented in court include Dr Stella Nyanzi and former Kyambogo University vice-chancellor Prof. Isaiah Omolo Ndiege.