Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has officially launched its year-long 70th anniversary commemorations with renewed calls for constitutionalism, judicial independence, and the protection of the rule of law amid growing concerns over governance and civil liberties in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The launch of the #ULSAt70 series was held on Monday, June 22, at ULS House in Kampala under the theme, “Upholding Constitutionalism in a Changing Landscape.”
The event was graced by Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama, SC, who attended as the chief guest and represented the leadership of the East African Law Society.
In his address, Kanjama underscored the importance of safeguarding the independence of bar associations across East Africa and cautioned governments against interfering in the affairs of legal professional bodies.
The Kenyan Bar leader also expressed concern over the denial of entry into Uganda of Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua, who had travelled to Kampala to attend court proceedings involving Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and to support the defence team representing opposition figures Dr Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale.
Kanjama questioned the implications of the incident on the East African Community’s commitments regarding the free movement of persons within the region.
The anniversary celebrations come as the Uganda Law Society prepares to mark seven decades since its establishment under the 1958 ordinance that formally organized the legal profession in Uganda.
In a speech delivered on behalf of ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde by Special Envoy Acola Amina, the society reflected on its 70-year journey and called on lawyers to remain steadfast in defending constitutional governance and human rights.
“Justice, equality, access to justice, freedom of expression and the sanctity of the legal profession were made central to how we understand government,” Ssemakadde’s message stated.
The exiled ULS president described the society’s history as a journey through colonial rule, post-independence challenges, and the eventual adoption of the 1995 Constitution, which he said ushered in a new era anchored in human rights and the rule of law.
He noted that the anniversary is not merely a celebration of longevity but an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing constitutionalism in contemporary Uganda.
“We want a country where bad governance can be resisted and the resistance respected. We want all victims of abduction, torture, wrongful imprisonment, and state murder to be remembered, freed, and compensated for,” the message read.
Ssemakadde further called upon lawyers across Uganda to unite in defending legal institutions and resisting what he described as growing threats to constitutional governance. “The Uganda Law Society is the advocate of the nation. All of Uganda is our client,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Soroti District Woman MP and Special guest to ULS President, Hon Anna Ebaju Adeke, highlighted the symbolism behind the anniversary branding, which incorporates ancient rock art from the Nyero cultural heritage site in the Teso sub-region.
According to Adeke, the concentric circles depicted in the artwork symbolize continuity, community and justice, values that predate colonial legal systems and continue to shape Uganda’s legal tradition.
“The choice of this piece of art was very intentional to speak about community, justice and continuity that is embedded in our very own existence,” she explained.
Adeke also commended the growing participation of women within the legal profession, noting that women now outnumber men in parts of the profession and continue to play a critical role in advancing justice and legal reform.
She urged female lawyers and judicial officers to bring empathy, inclusiveness and integrity to the pursuit of justice.
The ULS@70 series is expected to feature public dialogues, lectures, legal debates, and advocacy engagements focusing on constitutionalism, human rights, judicial independence, and the future of the legal profession in Uganda.
The Radical New Bar leadership announced that a series of activities will be held throughout the year, culminating in a major commemoration event in December 2026, marking seven decades of the Uganda Law Society’s contribution to the country’s legal and democratic development.
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