Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has fiercely criticised the leadership of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), accusing them of unethical behaviour and attempts to damage the reputation of the Judiciary through public insults.
Speaking at the New Law Year event, Owiny-Dollo took the opportunity to deliver a sharp rebuke to those attacking judicial officers, warning that such actions would not go unchecked. His comments were directly aimed at ULS president Isaac Ssemakadde, whose controversial remarks and actions have escalated the tension between the judiciary and the legal body.
Owiny-Dollo denounced what he described as “vulgar, primitive assaults” on the Judiciary, stressing that while criticism is acceptable, abusive language is entirely unacceptable. “It’s fine to criticise, but there’s a line between criticism and abuse,” he remarked, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who criticize judicial officers while expecting business to proceed as usual.
He further added: “Some think they gain stature by attacking, instead of engaging in constructive criticism. The leadership of the ULS is attempting to drag the Judiciary’s reputation through the mud. If the law doesn’t favour you, accept it—our responsibility is to uphold justice and constitutional principles.”
The Chief Justice urged the legal community to reflect on their conduct, particularly singling out Justice Musa Ssekaana, who he claims has been unjustly targeted by the ULS leaders
In an unexpected move that added fuel to the growing tensions, Owiny-Dollo revealed that he personally ordered that ULS president Isaac Ssemakadde be prevented from speaking at the event. “I am the one who ordered that Isaac Ssemakadde should not speak at the New Law Year,” the Chief Justice stated, a move that further intensified the divide between the two factions.
While acknowledging that the Judiciary has shown restraint in response to the growing provocation, Owiny-Dollo warned that the Judiciary would not remain silent forever. “I’ve been in this field longer than most of you have been alive. Never have I heard of someone winning accolades for the abuse of others,” he said.
He issued a final, strong warning: “If this continues, individuals in the Uganda Law Society will lose. The Judiciary will stand firm.”
However, he did leave room for possible reconciliation, urging the ULS to engage more respectfully with the Judiciary and uphold the rule of law.
Under the leadership of Ssemakadde, the Uganda Law Society has adopted the label of the “Radical New Bar,” attracting attention for its bold and often controversial stances. One of the most notable incidents was Ssemakadde’s use of inflammatory language directed at the Director of Public Prosecutions, Frances Abodo. The matter has since moved to court, adding to the already heated atmosphere.
Despite the growing divide, Ssemakadde and his supporters have continued to defend their position, citing their right to free speech, thus further intensifying the ideological conflict between the ULS and the Judiciary
With the relationship between the Judiciary and the Uganda Law Society reaching a boiling point, all eyes are now on how the ULS will respond to the Chief Justice’s harsh critique. What is clear is that this confrontation is far from over, and the future of Uganda’s legal community seems increasingly fractured. The underlying issues—judicial independence, freedom of expression, and professional respect—are now at the heart of the debate.
