AG Cuts Ssemakadde Down to Size

AG Kiryowa Kiwanuka says Isaac Ssemakadde's 'Executive Order' expelling him and the Solicitor General from the ULS Council was as embarrassing to read as it ought to have been to write.

By Tracey Kansiime

The Attorney General issued a strong rebuttal to Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde following a controversial "executive order" attempting to expel the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and their representatives from the ULS Council.

The AG called Ssemakadde’s actions “unlawful” and “theatrical,” asserting they lack any basis in Ugandan law.

The dispute stems from Ssemakadde’s declaration to exclude the Attorney General from the council and withdraw his recognition as head of the Ugandan bar.

In response, the AG emphasized that both the ULS and Ssemakadde lack authority to make such moves, citing Section 9 of the Uganda Law Society Act. He further underscored that the inclusion of the Attorney General and Solicitor General in ULS is statutory, not elective.

“The president of the Uganda Law Society and the council have no authority to repeal a provision of the law,” the Attorney General wrote.

“Carrying the title of ‘president’ does not clothe Mr Ssemakadde with authority to legislate for the country or the law society.”

The letter addressed additional accusations, including alleged conflicts of interest and abuse of office by the Attorney General, which Ssemakadde claimed had compromised the independence of Uganda's judicial institutions.

The AG dismissed these allegations, stating he has adhered strictly to the law and maintains no conflicts related to his prior affiliations.

Mr Ssemakadde’s claims about restricted access to Ugandan laws also drew rebuke.

The AG clarified that digital access fees were intended to support the Uganda Law Reform Commission’s maintenance of digital resources, noting, “Ugandan laws have never been free in hard copy; digital access is a new service with nominal fees.”

The Attorney General concluded by indicating he would seek legal recourse against what he termed “sponsored personal attacks” from the ULS president, calling Ssemakadde’s comments “high-sounding nothings” and expressing concern over “a dangerous obsession” with his office.

As the public digests the standoff, reactions continue to pour in online, with many awaiting the next move in this unfolding legal and political drama.