ULS calls for ‘urgent’ dialogue as bar, bench relations sour over Ssemakadde sentence

Kampala, (UG):– The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for urgent dialogue between the judiciary and the legal fraternity to restore harmony as tensions continue to rise between the ‘Bar and Bench’ over the sentencing of its President Isaac Ssemakadde to two years in prison.

Ssemakadde, a vocal legal activist and leader of the “Radical New Bar,” was sentenced after being found guilty of making statements deemed to undermine judicial authority.

His remarks, which were widely circulated on social media, targeted Justice Musa Ssekaana after the latter blocked the society’s Extraordinary Annual General Meeting (EAGM) where lawyers were set to elect new representatives to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The conviction, which stems from contempt of court charges, has sparked heated debates over judicial independence, freedom of expression, and the relationship between the bar and bench.

While addressing the media fraternity at Kololo on Thursday, February 20, the ULS Vice President, Mr Asiimwe Anthony criticized Ssekaana’s ruling, arguing that the crisis between the judiciary and the legal fraternity could have been avoided through open dialogue.

“The recent two-year sentence passed against our Radical New Bar President has created a crisis that could have been averted through open and honest discussions between the bar and bench,” Asiimwe stated, urging the Chief Justice to engage the Uganda Law Society in resolving the growing tensions between legal practitioners and judicial officers.

“We urge the Chief Justice to meet with us without delay to address concerns and grievances and avoid further escalation,” he said.

But the ULS Vice President emphasized the need to uphold freedom of expression within the legal profession while maintaining professional decorum arguing that Ssekaana’s ruling against Ssemakadde is an attempt to limit free speech, particularly concerning legal practitioners’ criticism of the judiciary.

“All lawyers must recognize that the bar and bench are part of the same legal community, entrusted with the responsibility of promoting constitutional democracy. Respecting the paramountcy of Freedom of Expression is therefore crucial in establishing a clear line of communication to avoid future conflicts,” Asiimwe noted.

He referenced a popular Ugandan saying to highlight the importance of discourse without intimidation: “Ebigambo Tebitta (words don’t kill).”

As Ssemakadde’s sentencing continues to raise concerns over judicial independence and the potential misuse of the law to silence dissent within the legal profession, Asiimwe called on judicial officers to avoid weaponizing legal procedures against members of the bar.

“Judicial officers must avoid using the law as a weapon against the bar and its leaders. The Radical New Bar will continue to promote transparency, accountability, and democratic principles in the Judiciary,” he asserted.

He further noted that the ULS will “pursue appellate litigation to ensure historic elections are held to choose new leaders of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) who can work collaboratively with the bar and bench.”

The Uganda Law Society said it is now focused on rebuilding relations between the bar and the judiciary, and as part of these efforts, it plans to establish regular meetings and communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and foster a more cooperative legal system.

“Restoring harmony between the bar and bench requires effort and commitment from both sides. By rebuilding trust and respect, and strengthening institutional relationships, we can create a more effective and just legal system,” Asiimwe emphasized.