Kampala, Uganda: The President of the Uganda Law Society, Isaac Ssemakadde S.C., will this week mark one year in exile with a radical X Spaces discussion focused on judicial independence, constitutionalism and the rule of law in Uganda.
Ssemakadde, who left the country in early 2025 following escalating tensions over his outspoken criticism of state conduct, says the discussion will reflect on what he describes as “the true cost of standing for justice.”
The virtual forum, scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm EAT, will stream live on X (formerly Twitter) via accounts @IsaacSsemakadde and @ug_lawsociety.
Among the expected speakers is Justice Esther Kitimbo Kisaakye, the exiled-former Supreme Court Judge who previously raised concerns about judicial independence in Uganda.
The discussion, DailyExpress understands, is expected to tackle alleged assaults on judicial independence, the personal and professional cost of dissent, and the future of constitutional governance in Uganda and the East African region.
Ssemakadde’s supporters have framed his exile as part of a broader historical pattern of Ugandan public figures who left the country during periods of political strain.
They draw parallels with figures such as Festo Kivengere, who fled into exile in 1977 during the regime of Idi Amin, and writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who left Uganda in 2022 after legal battles with authorities.
“History shows that exile does not silence courage. It amplifies it,” reads part of the mobilisation message circulating online.
Ssemakadde’s radical X Space comes amid continued debate about the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression and civic space in Uganda. Although in exile, the outspoken legal rebel has remained vocal from abroad, using digital platforms to engage legal professionals and civil society actors across the region.
His Wednesday discussion is expected to draw participants from Uganda and across East Africa, adding to ongoing conversations about governance, accountability and the resilience of institutions.
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