The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued an arrest warrant for Uganda Law Society (ULS) President, Isaac Ssemakadde. This action follows his failure to appear in court on Monday, February 24, 2025, to respond to charges of indecently insulting the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Justice Jane Frances Abodo.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, presiding over the matter, expressed that despite previous accommodations, Ssemakadde did not present himself in court as required. The magistrate emphasized that while legal representation is permissible, the accused must be present to enter a plea. Consequently, an arrest warrant has been issued, returnable by March 19, 2025.
The case originates from derogatory comments Ssemakadde allegedly made about Director of Public Prosecutions Justice Jane Frances Abodo during a symposium on November 18, 2024. These comments led to a private prosecution against him in December 2024. The allegations stem from a viral video in which he purportedly made these remarks during the public event in Kampala. This incident prompted a private prosecution by lawyers Byamazima Joshua and Tonny Tumukunde, leading to the current legal proceedings.
This situation has sparked considerable debate within the legal fraternity and the public, highlighting the tensions between freedom of expression and professional conduct standards. As the case progresses, it is poised to set a precedent regarding the boundaries of discourse among legal practitioners in Uganda.