Ssemakadde’s Arrest Warrant Could Embarrass Uganda’s Judicial System

Isaac Ssemakadde, the current President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), is in serious trouble. His bold actions and outspoken style have caused major clashes with top officials in Uganda’s legal system. What started as a fight for change has now become a legal and political storm that might land him in prison.

The Start of the Clash

Things escalated during the opening of the New Law Year when Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, publicly attacked Ssemakadde. He accused him of behaving unethically, insulting judges in public, and damaging the image of the judiciary. The Chief Justice warned that people who attack judicial officers would pay the price.

Soon after, Justice Musa Ssekaana sentenced Ssemakadde to two years in prison for contempt of court because of social media posts that were seen as disrespectful to the judiciary. Then came another case—Buganda Road Court issued an international arrest warrant after Ssemakadde failed to appear in court to face charges of insulting the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo.

Political Motivation or Legal Punishment?

Some people believe these actions are more political than legal. They argue that the charges—like calling Abodo offensive names online—are serious but do not deserve an international arrest warrant. Even more confusing is that the DPP herself hasn’t shown personal interest in pursuing the case, yet private prosecutors, once friends of Ssemakadde, are pushing hard for him to be punished.

Uganda’s Extradition Act allows courts to reject international warrants if the case is seen as political or if the offense is too small. Some argue that Ssemakadde’s cases fall into this category. The High Court has even received a petition from Ssemakadde’s lawyers to cancel the arrest warrant issued by Buganda Road Court. They say that court has no legal power to issue orders beyond its small area of jurisdiction, which is mainly within Kampala.

Ssemakadde was elected ULS President on September 28, 2024, and took office on October 4. From the start, he broke tradition. He removed the Attorney General from the ULS executive and questioned the legality of some members staying on the Judicial Service Commission after their term had ended.

He also openly criticized government agencies, attacked past ULS presidents, and regularly used social media to express his radical views. Some admired his courage, while others felt he was too aggressive.

At first, there seemed to be hope for peace when Ssemakadde and Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo had a friendly lunch meeting.

But things changed at the judiciary’s New Year event when the Chief Justice refused to let Ssemakadde speak and gave a fiery speech warning against attacks on judges.

Ssemakadde and his group, known as the “Radical New Bar,” walked out in protest. The situation has only gotten worse since then.

The Legal and Political Crisis

One of the most controversial moments was when Ssemakadde insulted DPP Abodo using offensive terms online. Private prosecutors Joshua Byamazima and Tonny Tumukunde used this as the basis for a new case, and the judiciary responded firmly.

Justice Ssekaana’s two-year sentence for contempt of court showed the judiciary’s tough stance. The Uganda Law Society pushed back, calling the ruling unfair and one-sided. Still, the courts have not changed their position.

Now, with a criminal charge, a contempt ruling, and an international warrant against him, Ssemakadde’s situation is becoming more dangerous. He risks being arrested and jailed in Luzira Prison if he returns to Uganda.

What’s Next for Ssemakadde?

Currently in Kigali, Rwanda, Ssemakadde says the arrest warrant is politically motivated. He believes this is a fight not just for himself but for the future of Uganda’s legal system. He’s even said his “Radical New Bar” will lead until 2060.

However, his choices are narrowing. If he stays abroad, he could become a leader in exile, losing influence. If he returns, he might be arrested right away. There have been rumors of possible peace talks, with the Chief Justice reportedly open to mediation through Karamoja elders, but knowing Ssemakadde, an apology may be unlikely.

A Defining Moment

This entire situation may become a key moment in Uganda’s legal history. Will Ssemakadde continue leading the ULS from outside the country, or will he be forced to face prison? Whether he finds a legal loophole, makes peace, or fights to the end, one thing is clear—this battle is far from over.

Ssemakadde’s Radical New Bar is now on trial, and Uganda is watching closely.