The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued a statement disassociating itself from the provocative remarks made by its president, Isaac Ssemakadde, during a symposium on the state of the rule of law, constitutionalism, and human rights.
Ssemakadde made these vulgar yet disrespectful assertions during an event organized by the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), which took place on November 18, 2024, at the PFF headquarters on Katonga Road in Kampala.
In a press release issued on November 19, 2024, the ULS stated that the views expressed by Ssemakadde during the symposium were not reflective of the official position of the executive council of the Uganda Law Society.
“A viral video of Uganda Law Society president Isaac Ssemakadde uttering vulgarities against the Director of Public Prosecutions DPP Justice Jane Frances Abodo has been brought to our attention with a request by the membership to explain whether this is the position of the executive council of Uganda Law Society,” the statement read in part.
The society condemned the use of vulgar language to attack individuals, including the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General.
“This is to categorically state that the said statements are the words of Isaac Ssemakadde in his personal capacity and are not reflective of the executive council of the Uganda Law Society,” the statement read.
According to the society members, the law body will remain committed as elected representatives to maintain the image of the society and refrain from personal attacks and focus on the core issues affecting the membership of the Uganda Law Society.
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However, the ULS Secretary, Philip Munaabi, said while appearing on a talk show at a local TV station on November 20, 2024, that the council’s position in reiterating the opinions expressed by Ssemakadde was personal and did not represent the collective opinion of the ULS membership.
He stressed the importance of respectful discourse and the need to avoid personal attacks, emphasizing that disagreements should be addressed through appropriate channels and with due respect for all parties involved.
“If we disagree, it does not imply we are at war; it is not the council’s discussion to attack someone,” Munaabi said.
Ssemakadde’s leadership style continues to lie under public scrutiny, battling the divide between freedom of expression and responsible professionalism in the law society.
