Kampala, (UG):- Maverick City lawyer and Executive Director of Legal Brains Trust, Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde has been elected President of Uganda Law Society (ULS).
Ssemakadde, a renowned advocate for human rights defeated his competitor Isaac Atukunda by a huge margin after defeating the latter all eight polling stations in the tense Saturday election held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
Ssemakadde garnered a total of 1,386 votes to emerge victorious, while Atukunda received 632 votes. and a total of 12 invalid votes were recorded.
In his victory speech, Ssemakadde pledged to serve with integrity and tackle moral bankruptcy within the judiciary
The outspoken lawyer emphasized the collective responsibility of the legal fraternity to promote justice and unity. “This victory belongs to all of us – each member who believes in the strength of our collective voice, the power of justice, and the importance of unity in our legal fraternity.”
“I am deeply humbled and honoured by the trust you have placed in me. I am committed to serving you with integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedication,” he further stated.
Road to ULS Presidency
During his countrywide tours and campaigns, Ssemakadde, known for his fearless and unconventional approach to defending justice and equality, vowed to champion structural reforms at ULS.
En route to the Presidency, Ssemakade received several endorsements from high-profile lawyers including retired Justice Prof George Kanyeihamba who publicly said “there is no one that can defeat Ssemakadde in the ULS presidential race”.
“I am so happy that when the President-elect. I call him elect because I don’t think anybody can beat him heard that I was not well, he made an effort, broke his campaign trail to come and see me,” Prof Kayeihamba said, urging those who believe in him and in his policies to vote for Ssemakadde.
“I have no contestation whatsoever in endorsing the candidature of the person who is sitting next to me as a presidential candidate for the presidency of the Uganda Law Society,” he said.
DP Veteran politician and EALA representative Fred Mukasa Mbidde Friday endorsed Ssemakadde saying his ability to execute tasks is unmatched. He was joined by Makerere University law lecturer Dr. Busingye Kabumba who also threw his weight behind the maverick lawyer.
“I have no doubt that if we elect Ssemakadde as ULS President, we might probably come to regret it. At the same time, I am equally convinced that, if we do not elect him as ULS President on 28th September 2024, we shall most definitely regret it,” Dr Kabumba said.
The race for ULS Presidency became a two-man chase after Kenneth Kipaalu quit the race at the start of the week. Kipaalu didn’t reveal why he quit the race
As Law Society President, Isaac Ssemakade will serve for the next two years after which an election will be held.
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