Kampala, (UG):- Uganda Law Society (ULS) President, Isaac Ssemakadde Kimeze, and his Vice, Anthony Asiimwe have been expelled from the USL council over alleged gross misconduct after just less than two months into the position.
The ULS Secretary, Phillip Munaabi in a statement released Saturday evening confirmed the expulsion of the legal rebel and his vice saying the move is aimed at restoring public trust in the Law Society and safeguarding its reputation.
“In order to restore public trust and confidence in Uganda Law Society and the Legal profession in Uganda we resolve as follows: Expel the President of the Uganda Law Society, Mr. Ssemakadde Isaac Kimeze from the Council of the Uganda Law Society to safeguard the reputation of the Uganda Law Society and save it from further denigration,” the statement read in part.
In addition, Vice President Asiimwe faced allegations of financial misconduct, including unauthorized control of ULS funds and spreading false claims of a “witch-hunt” against staff.
The development comes amid an ongoing public outrage over Ssemakadde’s derogatory comments against Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Justice Jane Frances Abodo, including his widely condemned reference to her as a “Karamojong vagina.”
Munaabi described these remarks as “vulgar and condescending,” noting they have damaged the society’s reputation and strained relationships with donors which could jeopardize free legal aid services for over 40,000 vulnerable individuals.
The Secretary, however, did not cite any specific law granting the Council powers to remove a sitting president, with the decision already facing backlash from Ssemakadde’s supporters who have vowed stiff legal resistance against the legality of the Council’s actions.
According to critics, the ULS Constitution and governing law only provide limited grounds for removing Council members, including; Resignation; Suspension or disqualification from practising as an advocate;
Certification of unsound mind and appointment to a conflicting position.
Other reasons include; conviction and sentencing to imprisonment exceeding six months; and removal by a special resolution passed by ULS members in a general meeting.
But none of these grounds appear to apply to Ssemakadde or Asiimwe, raising questions about the legitimacy of the Council’s actions. Also, the absence of a general meeting or member resolution, as required by law, could strengthen their case.
When contacted for a comment, ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe dismissed Munaabi’s statement as untrue and dubious, reiterating that Ssemakadde (who is currently on sick leave) and him are still charge of the ‘Radical New Bar’.
“Members, we are outraged as you are at the dubious statement issued by our Honorary Secretary Phillip Munaabi. Disregard it with the contempt that it deserves. The #RadicalNewBar President Isaac Ssemakadde and I, your Vice President, are still in charge,” Asiimwe said.
Notably so, the ULS official channels were still in agreement with Ssemakadde’s leadership and reposted Asiimwe’s post on the alleged expulsion. The law society did not post or acknowledge Phillip Munaabi’s statement.
Legal analysts argue that the decision by Munaabi’s camp may lead to a prolonged legal battle, further dividing the ULS and eroding its public image which could further damage the ULS’ credibility, particularly with donors and partners critical to its legal aid programs.
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