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Ssemakadde to fastrack Rwakafuzi’s appointment as Senior Counsel

Senior Advocate Ladislaus Kiiza Rwakafuzi with the #RadicalNewBar Demilitarization Award he received from Uganda Law Society on Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Kampala, (UG):- The Uganda Law Society (ULS) President, Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde has vowed to spearhead efforts for the appointment of veteran human rights lawyer Ladislaus Kiiza Rwakafuzi as Senior Counsel of Uganda’s Judiciary under the Advocates (Senior Counsel) Regulations 2018.

Mr Ssemakadde made the daring pledge on Wednesday, January 29, as Rwakafuzi received the Radical New Bar’s Demilitarization Award from the ULS recognizing his unwavering dedication to defending the rights of vulnerable Ugandans and his relentless fight to demilitarize the judiciary.

In a citation for the RNB award read on his behalf by Advocate Mary Goretti Nakamya, Ssemakadde noted that for over two decades, Rwakafuzi has been a legal stalwart in opposing the prosecution of civilians in military courts, a practice he consistently challenged before both local and international tribunals.

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The Legal Rebel acknowledged the Uganda Law Society’s past failure to advocate for Rwakafuzi’s rightful elevation to Senior Counsel, describing it as a “stark indictment of our past institutional failures.”

To this matter, Ssemakadde vowed to pursue his long overdue appointment, emphasizing that the decision taken by ULS is not merely symbolic but a necessary corrective measure to honour the lawyer’s unmatched contributions to Uganda’s legal landscape.

“Today, we not only honour his extraordinary courage in demilitarizing the administration of justice – we pledge, as the Radical New Bar, to pursue his long-overdue appointment as Senior Counsel under the Advocates (Senior Counsel) Regulations 2018,” declared the Radical New Bar President.

Senior Advocate Ladislaus Kiiza Rwakafuzi with the #RadicalNewBar Demilitarization Award he received from Uganda Law Society on Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Speaking at the award ceremony, Rwakafuzi expressed gratitude for the recognition and echoed a call for the restoration of the rule of law in Uganda. “We should not go back to where we came from,” he declared.

“Everybody should either through prayer or whatever a person can do, ensure we have the rule of law again,” he urged passionately.

At 63, Rwakafuzi’s career has been marked by landmark legal victories, including his pivotal role in the 2005 defence of Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, who faced terrorism charges before the General Court Martial.

His advocacy helped secure the transfer of the case to the High Court and set a precedent that safeguarded the democratic right of presidential candidates to campaign freely.

Despite suffering personal and professional setbacks, including health challenges and financial strain, Rwakafuzi remained resolute in his fight for justice.

His determination bore fruit in the landmark case of Michael Kabaziguruka v. Attorney General (2016), where the Constitutional Court declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.

Ssemakadde applauded the immense sacrifices Rwakafuzi made for the legal profession and Uganda as a whole saying; “Your resilience in the face of calculated systemic resistance, your willingness to be broken so others might find justice, and your unflinching dedication even as your health and practice suffered – these testify to a legacy that transcends legal victories.”

The Advocates (Senior Counsel) Regulations 2018 stipulate that appointments to the rank of Senior Counsel must recognize advocates who have demonstrated exceptional legal skill, professionalism, and significant contributions to the development of the legal profession in Uganda.

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