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Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon Norbert Mao, has taken the lead in mediating between and ironing out the worsening tensions between the Uganda Law Society (ULS) and the Judiciary.
Minister Mao announced on Friday that he had reached out to a number of leaders in the Judiciary including the Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo, and received positive feedback about a possible gentlemanly settlement.
Speaking at a ULS media engagement event, Mao expressed concern over the whereabouts of ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, whose status has remained unclear since the court in Kampala issued a warrant for his arrest.
Mao stated, "I don’t know his current status because the media has not been very clear. Some say he is on official duties, others say he is in exile."
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Fleeing the country
Justice Musa Ssekaana on February 14, 2025, sentenced the ULS president to two years in prison for contempt of court.
The court found that Ssemakadde had made derogatory comments about the judiciary, which were deemed a threat to judicial officers.
The ruling sparked outrage among members of the legal fraternity, with ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony condemning the decision as “one-sided” and “manifestly void.”
Following the ruling, Ssemakadde announced on social media that he was in Rwanda for “pre-approved duties.”
However, weeks later, he indicated that he would soon return to Uganda, though his absence continues to raise questions.
Early this week, the Buganda Road Court issued an international arrest warrant for Ssemakadde after he failed to appear in court despite previous summons and arrest warrants.
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Mediation Supported by Key Legal Figures
Minister Mao revealed that he had engaged in discussions with key figures in the Ugandan legal system, including the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, Justice Sekaana of the Court of Appeal, the Inspector General of Police, and the Commandant of Kampala Metropolitan Police.
According to Mao, the Attorney General expressed support for the mediation process, despite his dissatisfaction with the statements made by Ssemakadde.
“The Attorney General believes that while he is unhappy with what has been said about him, he is open to resolving the issue,” Mao commented.
The Chief Justice, however, has demanded an apology from Ssemakadde, stating that the Judiciary feels wronged by the remarks made.
Mao vowed to track down the ULS president and deliver this message, even if it meant travelling abroad to find him.
As part of the mediation, Mao called foe dialogue, stating, “We all studied alternative dispute resolution, now it is time to practice what we preach. We must talk to each other.”