The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has been thrust into controversy following an executive order issued by its self-exiled President, Isaac Ssemakadde, announcing the Society’s departure from political neutrality and endorsing opposition candidates ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In Executive Order RNB No. 6 of 2025, Ssemakadde publicly endorsed National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Kampala Lord Mayoral candidate Erias Lukwago, and Dr Ekwaro Ebuku for Member of Parliament, Oyam South Constituency.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from within the legal fraternity, with lawyer Tonny Tumukunde describing the order as illegal, personal, and damaging to the credibility of the country’s largest professional legal body.
“ULS Must Remain Nonpartisan”
In an interview, Tumukunde argued that the ULS is, by law, a nonpartisan institution and must maintain political neutrality in executing its mandate under the Uganda Law Society Act.
“The Uganda Law Society serves all Ugandans regardless of political affiliation, especially at a time when the country is politically tense,” Tumukunde said. “The president’s impugned orders are not laws.”
He cited a High Court decision by Justice Musa Ssekana in Hashim Mugisha Hashim v. ULS & Isaac Ssemakadde, which held that executive orders issued by the ULS president do not carry the force of law.
“These are mere pieces of paper that the wind is blowing into the corridors of courts,” Tumukunde remarked.
Accusations of Personal Agenda
Tumukunde attributed the endorsements to what he called Ssemakadde’s personal political interests rather than a collective decision of the Society.
“This is about ego. Isaac Ssemakadde is a known opposition fanatic,” he said, recalling past instances where the ULS president hosted Kyagulanyi and Lukwago. “He has no respect for the rule of law. If he did, he would know that ULS should not be dragged into political bias.”
He further accused Ssemakadde of disregarding advice from colleagues and acting unilaterally.
Dissent Within the Society
Asked about the fate of ULS members who disagree with the executive order, Tumukunde warned of possible reprisals but said many members have learned to ignore the leadership style of the current president.
“He wants to be a demigod over every member,” he said. “But people now understand his ways. They are simply waiting for his illegal tenure to lapse.”
Ssemakadde’s term as ULS president is expected to end in about two months.
Claims of Regime Change Ambitions
The executive order also suggested that ULS would mobilise resources to challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, a claim Tumukunde dismissed as unrealistic and unrepresentative of the Society’s membership.
“Don’t think all members are in agreement with this decision,” he said. “Many lawyers still appreciate the NRM’s leadership amidst the country’s challenges.”
He further alleged that Ssemakadde’s actions were influenced by personal interests linked to his self-exile and alleged asylum ambitions.
“Let him serve the white man’s pie by himself, not throw it into the hands of the innocent many,” Tumukunde said.
Waiting Out the Term
On whether there are efforts to safeguard the Society’s integrity and public image, Tumukunde said dissenting members are opting for restraint rather than confrontation.
“The sober few are looking on in disbelief,” he said. “The tenure is just two months to end. Let him sail.”
The ULS leadership has not yet issued an official response to the criticism, but the executive order has intensified debate about governance, legality, and political neutrality within one of Uganda’s most influential professional bodies.
