The High Court in Kampala has stopped an extraordinary meeting of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) scheduled for this afternoon. The order follows a successful application by ULS member Brian Kirima, who argued potential irreparable damages if the meeting proceeded.
This marks the second time this year that the High Court has intervened to block a ULS meeting. Last month, a similar order halted discussions on issues concerning a High Court Judge in the Tilenga Oil Case. It’s the third such order against ULS this year alone.
Today’s meeting was supposed to address concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary, particularly in light of a letter dated December 7th, 2023, from President Museveni to Chief Justice Alfonse regarding a property case involving businessman Justus Kyabahwa.
Kirima’s petition to the court expressed concerns that the meeting might lead to passing resolutions deemed illegal and absurd, which could bring disrepute to the society and cause embarrassment to its members.
In response, ULS argued that the meeting fell within their mandate under the Uganda Law Society Act, which empowers them to discuss matters concerning the rule of law and make resolutions accordingly.
However, Justice Ssekaana ruled in favor of Kirima, ordering ULS to halt the meeting pending the final determination of the case.
In light of this decision, it’s reported that lawyers are considering boycotting the Judiciary’s upcoming New Law Year event on Friday as a form of protest.
