(Kampala) – Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde and Vice President Anthony Asiimwe have been expelled from the ULS council, barely two months into their tenure, sparking intense debate among legal professionals. Their removal, orchestrated by the ULS council, has exposed divisions within the society over governance and leadership practices.
The decision, detailed in Council Order No. 001 of 2024 issued by ULS Honorary Secretary Philip Munaabi, cited serious allegations against the duo. Ssemakadde allegedly used inappropriate language targeting senior government officials, including Director of Public Prosecutions Jane Frances Abodo and Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, actions said to tarnish ULS’s reputation. Asiimwe was accused of unauthorized financial approvals and spreading accusations of a “witch hunt” within ULS, destabilizing management.
The expulsion order also barred the two and their associates from accessing ULS offices, warning that violations would result in criminal charges. Munaabi assumed leadership as head of an interim caretaker committee, a move that critics described as a “coup.”
Allegations Against Ssemakadde and Asiimwe
| Accusation | Details |
|---|---|
| Use of foul language | Ssemakadde allegedly made derogatory comments against DPP Abodo and AG Kiwanuka. |
| Unauthorized financial approvals | Asiimwe allegedly conducted online bank approvals without being a signatory. |
| Fomenting internal discord | Asiimwe accused of spreading claims of persecution among staff. |
Council member Geoffrey Turyamusiima defended the decision, stating that the resolution was backed by six of eight present members. He added that two council seats, representing the Attorney General and Solicitor General, were already vacant due to suspensions.
Ssemakadde and Asiimwe, however, have dismissed the order as illegitimate. In a statement, Asiimwe called on ULS members to disregard the announcement, maintaining that he and Ssemakadde were still in charge. Efforts to contact Ssemakadde were unsuccessful.
Governance Concerns
The legality of the expulsions has been widely contested. According to the ULS Act, council members can only be removed through a general meeting resolution or under specific conditions, such as professional disqualification or criminal conviction. Critics argue that these criteria were not met.
| ULS Act Removal Criteria | Condition |
|---|---|
| Disqualification as an advocate | Practicing restrictions in Uganda or abroad. |
| Conflict of interest | Appointment to conflicting roles. |
| Mental or physical incapacity | Certification of unsound mind or inability to serve. |
| General meeting resolution | Special vote by ULS members. |
Former ULS President Francis Gimara criticized the council’s authority, asserting that leadership changes must involve the broader membership. Luyimbaazi Nalukoola echoed these sentiments, calling the expulsion a destructive and politically driven move.
Some members, however, supported the expulsions, viewing them as a necessary step to restore ULS’s reputation. Silver Kayondo praised the council for decisive action, stating that ULS could not afford to become a “theatre of comedy.”
Mixed Reactions Within ULS
| Stakeholder | Position |
|---|---|
| Silver Kayondo | Supported the expulsions, citing need for public confidence in ULS. |
| Francis Gimara | Opposed the expulsions, argued they lacked legal basis. |
| Luyimbaazi Nalukoola | Criticized the move as politically motivated and divisive. |
The expulsions follow controversial decisions by Ssemakadde during his short tenure, including the suspension of Attorney General Kiwanuka and Solicitor General from the council, and the withdrawal of Judicial Service Commission members Ruth Sebatindira and Norah Matovu. Critics suggest these actions placed Ssemakadde under increased scrutiny.
In a counter move, Ssemakadde’s allies issued a statement declaring Munaabi and Turyamusiima suspended following an electronic meeting. This development has deepened the leadership crisis within ULS, with no immediate resolution in sight.
