Lawyers form parallel 'think tank'

The election of Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde as the new president of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has led to the emergence of a parallel faction, which says its purpose is to preserve the decorum and core values of the legal profession. The Monitor reports that more than 1 000 people have joined a WhatsApp group named the Uganda Bar Association, the theme of which is ‘For rule of law and good governance of the Bar Association’. However, Francis Harimwomugasho, a lawyer and administrator of the group, refuted claims that the initiative was a splinter faction of the ULS. Instead, he described it as a think-tank of lawyers who do not support the president-elect's campaign, which emphasised ‘banging the table’ and targeted certain key figures in the legal fraternity, including Attorney-General Kiryowa Kiwanuka. ‘This is a think-tank of lawyers who wish to retain decorum and the old traditions as we studied them. We shall lobby and engage for our trade. It is not in opposition to ULS. We shall actively participate in the activities of ULS,’ Harimwomugasho clarified. John Musiime, a partner at Dentons, likened it to other lawyer associations like the Female Lawyers Network and the Christian Lawyers Fraternity. ‘To create another Bar Association, they would have to do it within the law like the ULS. However, if the ULS continues to be two things: irrelevant and polarising, then some people will vote with their feet,’ Musiime remarked. Joshua Byamazima, a partner at Trust Law Advocates, added: ‘I think his focus right now as president should be to humble himself, sit and listen to the divergent ideas of ULS members, whether they support him or not. Without fear of contradiction, I do not support him, and I do not intend to. But I have no problem with his leadership, it can go on. He represents all of us, even those who didn’t support him.’

Ssemakadde, known for his bold and unconventional style, was elected over the weekend. His manifesto focused on ‘decolonising the Bar’ and his slogan, ‘Bang the table… Back on track,’ were prominent in his campaign. Despite his victory, some lawyers feel that his outspoken and activist approach is unsuitable for the prestigious role of ULS president, The Monitor notes.

See also Africa Analysis

Full report in The Monitor