Ezrah Kashumbusha.
KAMPALA, January 08, 2024 | A division has emerged within the Uganda Law Society (ULS) as a section of lawyers has announced their intention to boycott tomorrow’s opening of the New Law Year in Kampala. Their decision stems from the recent High Court ruling that restrained the ULS from discussing attacks on the judiciary’s independence by President Museveni.
President Museveni is slated to be the chief guest at the event, which will also mark the grand opening of the twin appellate towers of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. However, the lawyers, including prominent figures such as Phillip Karugaba, Sarah Kasande, Isaac Ssemakadde, Jude Byamukama, and Frank Kanduho, have opted out in protest against what they perceive as an infringement on the judiciary’s autonomy.
The High Court ruling, issued by Justice Musa Ssekaana, halted an extraordinary general meeting of the ULS where discussions on attacks against the judiciary were to take place. This meeting was prompted by President Museveni’s letter to Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo regarding a court matter involving the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.
While the president of the ULS, Mr. Bernard Oundo, urged members to remain calm and engage with the judiciary leadership to address their concerns, the dissenting lawyers argue that boycotting the event is necessary to push back against what they view as a gag order on the ULS.
However, some within the society have expressed disagreement with the boycott, emphasizing the importance of following procedural steps provided in the law to challenge court decisions rather than resorting to boycotts.
While differing perspectives persist, the common goal of safeguarding judicial independence accentuates the commitment of legal professionals to uphold democratic principles and ensuring the fair administration of justice in the country.
