Tension ran high at the Annual New Law Year event in Kampala on Friday after Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde was denied the opportunity to address attendees, despite receiving an official invitation.
The event quickly escalated into a heated confrontation between Mr. Ssemakadde and Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo. Mr. Ssemakadde, who had been invited, was not given a chance to deliver his speech.
In an attempt to assert his right to speak, he approached the podium while Chief Justice Dollo was delivering his address, demanding that his allotted time be respected. However, the Chief Justice publicly rebuffed Mr. Ssemakadde, calling him a “fool” and criticizing his behavior as inappropriate.
The dispute stems from Mr. Ssemakadde’s past public criticisms of judges, accusing them of making unfavorable or unjust rulings. Chief Justice Dollo demanded that Mr. Ssemakadde apologizes to several judges, including Musa Ssekaana, before any reconciliation could take place.
In response to the Chief Justice’s remarks, Mr. Ssemakadde stormed out of the event in protest, leaving the gathering amidst ongoing tension.
This incident marks an escalation in the power struggle between the Uganda Law Society and the Judiciary, raising questions about free speech, authority, and accountability within Uganda’s legal system. Notably, Mr. Ssemakadde faced controversy in November 2024 over alleged gross misconduct.
The incident has sparked widespread debate about the relationship between the legal community and the Judiciary in Uganda.
