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Isaac Ssemakadde, is under fire following a viral video in which he allegedly made derogatory remarks against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Francis Abodo (Courtesy Photo)
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By Our Reporter
The President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Isaac Ssemakadde, is under fire following a viral video in which he allegedly made derogatory remarks against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Francis Abodo.
Ssemakadde reportedly made the comments during a meeting at the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) splinter group offices, where he welcomed individuals recently released on bail after being charged with terrorism. The remarks have sparked outrage from legal and government institutions.
Strong Condemnation
Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Rose Akello, condemned the remarks, describing them as "vulgar and offensive." She stated:
"On behalf of the Government, I strongly condemn this flagrant abuse of the freedom of speech. The language used demeans the dignity of women and tarnishes the moral fabric of our society."
Legal bodies, including the Female Lawyers Network (FLN), the Uganda Prosecutors Association (UPA), and the Young Lawyers Network (YLN), have also criticized Ssemakadde.
The FLN described his behavior as gender-insensitive and laden with tribal undertones, arguing that his actions undermine the dignity of Abodo and the entire female legal fraternity. The YLN echoed these sentiments, disassociating itself from Ssemakadde’s remarks and emphasizing the importance of professionalism in the legal profession.
Legal and professional ramifications
The Uganda Prosecutors Association noted that the remarks could amount to a criminal offense under Section 115(3) of the Penal Code Act, which criminalizes insults against the modesty of women. The DPP’s office, through spokesperson Jacquelyn Okui, indicated that it reserves the right to pursue legal action against Ssemakadde while engaging professional bodies to address his conduct.
ULS leadership divided
The ULS executive council has distanced itself from Ssemakadde’s remarks, with Secretary Philip Munaabi and council members issuing a statement clarifying that his comments were made in a personal capacity.
Meanwhile, some ULS members are reportedly planning to impeach Ssemakadde over allegations of misconduct.
Who is Ssemakadde?
Ssemakadde, who hails from Bukomansimbi district, was elected ULS President in September, replacing Bernard Oundo. Known for his outspoken nature, he also serves as the Executive Director of the Legal Brains Trust, a public interest law firm in Kampala.
Since assuming office, he has made controversial decisions, including expelling the Attorney General and Solicitor General from the ULS council and challenging appointments to the Judicial Service Commission.
Efforts to reach Ssemakadde for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off at the time of publication.
