Prof. Ssempebwa condemns Ssemakadde over indulging law society in partisan politics

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Senior Counsel Bar chairperson Prof. Fredrick Ssempebwa has condemned the current leaders of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), headed by Isaac Ssemakadde, for indulging the noble legal professional body in partisan politics.

This follows an executive order of radical new bar no.6 of 2025 signed by Ssemakadde endorsing several Opposition candidates in the forthcoming General Election, including Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

Justifying the position, ULS on December 22, 2025, condemns what it describes as the long-decade normalisation of impunity, over-militarisation of politics and subversion of independent institutions by the current ruling government.

However, Prof. Ssempebwa argues that ULS is a professional body dedicated to fostering the rule of law, access to justice and good governance, and it is thus not supposed to indulge in partisan politics.

“Central to the core mandate of ULS is its non-partisan nature,” Ssempebwa says.

As an independent professional organisation guided by the core values of integrity, competence, accountability and professionalism, Ssempebwa says ULS must remain impartial and above non-partisan politics.

Ssempebwa adds that ULS’s independence enables it to advocate effectively for the rule of law without alignment to any political faction, thereby safeguarding its credibility and ability to serve all Ugandans equitably.

“Any deviation from this non-partisan stance undermines the society’s statutory objectives and erodes public trust in the legal profession,” Ssempebwa says.

According to Ssempebwa, as members of the senior bar, they strongly condemn all attempts to brand ULS as a partisan body, urging the leaders of ULS to rescind the order.

“Rather than engaging in activities that may compromise its neutrality, the ULS should prioritise its core mandate by collecting all credible evidence of electoral irregularities, violence and legal breaches, which can be used to file appropriate cases in courts of law to seek judicial remedies and accountability or to prepare and lead comprehensive electoral reforms in the future,” Ssempebwa says.

Electoral violence

However, Ssempebwa has also condemned what he describes as ongoing electoral violence and violation of the electoral laws in the country, arguing that such acts not only threaten the democratic processes but also contravene fundamental principles of rule of law and human rights.  

The electoral process has been marred by some scenes of violence that have been largely blamed on actors that are violating the electoral laws.

The Electoral Commission has since warned National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi over the violation of the electoral laws and campaign protocols.

Ssemakadde troubles

Early this year, Ssemakadde went into self-exile after justice Musa Ssekaana imposed on him a two-year jail term after finding him guilty of abusing him on social media.

Ssemakadde also faces an arrest warrant from Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court where he is wanted on charges of allegedly insulting the modesty of the Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo.

Ssemakadde’s radical approach in his bid to get the judicial system “back on track” has left him with no option but to run away from the country lest sent to jail.

He rules the society remotely. His term was in July extended for a period of six months to pave the way for elections.

However, the High Court has since issued an injunction barring the ULS from organising the elections. This is likely to keep him and his executive in office until the court cases have been disposed of.