Law Society unhappy with Ssemakadde case delays

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has expressed concern over what it says are inexplicable delays in hearing cases brought by its president, Isaac Ssemakadde, to restore his right to liberty and set aside the warrant of arrest and a two-year jail term against him. According to The Independent Uganda, the ULS decried the current impasse, where courts refuse to schedule hearing dates for cases filed by Ssemakadde and those involving the ULS. Ssemakadde, who is believed to be on the run out of the country, was convicted by High Court judge Musa Ssekaana for contempt of court. This after using his social media platforms to criticise Ssekaana’s decision to block the ULS elections to choose representatives to the Uganda Judicial Service Commission. He is also wanted at the Buganda Road Court for allegedly abusing the Director of Public Prosecutions, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo. The ULS has emphasised the need for prompt resolution of these cases to safeguard Ssemakadde’s rights, restore confidence in the judicial system, and uphold the principles of justice. The ULS also indicated that it has accepted the Justice & Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao’s offer to facilitate mediation. However, the organisation remains adamant that a mediation summit of Bar-Bench leaders should not obstruct the timely disposal of cases concerning Ssemakadde’s liberty and the democratic mandate of the legal profession.

The judiciary and the Uganda Law Society have been at loggerheads following several disagreements with the Bar. Most recently, the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee had a session with leaders of the judiciary, whom they blamed for undermining justice for those seeking bail. According to Parliament Watch, MPs on the Legal Committee rebuked the judiciary for the alleged reckless handling of bail applications. The committee also castigated the judiciary for the exorbitant bail fees imposed on suspects, with accusations that judicial officers were monetarising bail applications, The Independent Uganda reports.

Full report in The Independent Uganda