Ssemakadde asks High Court to quash Interpol warrant, cites judicial overreach from lower courts

Kampala, (UG):– Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde has petitioned the High Court seeking orders to quash an arrest warrant issued against him by Buganda Road Chief Magistrate His Worship Ronald Kayizzi directing the both local police and INTERPOL to arrest him on sight over dishonouring court summons.

Ssemakadde, through his lawyers; GEM Advocates, argues that the warrant which he described as “illegal” and “egregious” amounts to judicial overreach and undermines ongoing High Court proceedings in the case under reference number; Miscellaneous Application No. 0030 of 2025 (arising from Revision Cause No. 002 of 2025).

“Pursuant to Regulation 17 of the Advocates (Professional Conduct) Regulations S.I. 267-2, sections 17 and 37 of the Judicature Act, and section 48 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act, we are compelled to bring to the attention of this Honourable Court the lower court’s egregious conduct, which undermines the integrity of the judicial process,” the petition, dated March 24, copy of which DailyExpress has seen reads in part.

But in blatant disregard of the pending proceedings before the High Court, the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate His Worship Ronald Kayizzi, whom Ssemakadde accuses of judicial overreach, arbitrarily issued another warrant of arrest which contradicts the judiciary rule of law, according to the ULS President.

“The lower court’s actions amount to a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the authority of the High Court,” the petition states. “Magistrate Kayizzi’s warrant is an attempt to pre-empt and usurp the powers of the superior court.”

To further solidify their petition addressed to Hon Justice Paul Gadenya, the lawyers cited case law, including MRS GERALDINE BUSUULWA SSALI v NSSF (HCMA 116/2016) and LUKWAGO ERIAS v AG & 3 Others (HCMA 94/2014), urging the High Court must intervene to halt it promptly.

“The principles of the rule of law dictate that both the private prosecutor and the lower court must refrain from any proceedings or acts that may pre-empt, usurp, negate, or otherwise interfere with the proceedings in the High Court. The lower court’s actions are a clear affront to these principles,” adds the petition.

The lawyers therefore want the High Court to find it worthy “that the lower court was grossly out of order in issuing both warrants of arrest against our client, and to expunge or set them aside for being illegal, null and void, on the authority of MAKULA INTERNATIONAL v HE CARDINAL NSUBUGA (previously submitted).”

As a Senior Counsel and the sitting President of the Uganda Law Society, it is also argued that the warrant has not only put Ssemakadde’s personal liberty at risk but has also inflicted significant reputational damage.

“The continuous issuance of warrants against our client despite ongoing High Court proceedings is unlawful and tarnishes his reputation as a legal professional,” the lawyers argued, adding that the judiciary must uphold due process and prevent a miscarriage of justice.

In addition to seeking the quashing of the Interpol warrant, Ssemakadde’s legal team is urging the High Court to expedite its ruling in MA 30/2025. “We respectfully urge this Court to expedite the delivery of the ruling in Miscellaneous Application No. 0030 of 2025 hopefully before the end of the instant month, and to take immediate action to protect our client’s rights and prevent further injustice,” the lawyers asserted.

The petition has also been issued to various authorities, including the Inspector of Courts, the Chief Magistrate of Buganda Road Court, counsel for the respondent, the Inspector General of Police, the Director/Head of the INTERPOL Liaison Office in Uganda, and the Director of CIID at Uganda Police Force in Kibuli.