Uganda Today Edition: “Trash”: ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde Responds to Explosive Twins Saga with Defiance and Dismissal
By Uganda Today Investigative Desk
April 20, 2025
KAMPALA | Uganda Today – In a terse and unapologetic response to media inquiries about his controversial involvement with twins Yvonne Babirye and Cynthia Nakato, Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde has dismissed the developing story as nothing more than “trash,” urging the public and media to allow the affected family to grieve “with some dignity.”
The WhatsApp comment came after CMK MEDIA SOLUTIONS, the publishers of Uganda Today, contacted Ssemakadde for a right of reply following the publication of a widely read exposé titled “ULS President’s Controversial Work Engagement with Twins Raises Eyebrows”, which shed light on alleged entanglements and power dynamics between the high-profile lawyer and the twin sisters, both of whom were closely connected to his legal and advocacy engagements.
When asked for his reaction, Ssemakadde replied without hesitation:
[4/20, 15:01] Isaac Ssemakadde: “Trash.”
[4/20, 15:03] Isaac Ssemakadde: “Let the twins grieve their loss in peace and some dignity.”
These words, brief yet piercing, reflect the ULS President’s characteristic bluntness — but have done little to douse the flames of speculation or public debate that continue to swirl around the unfolding scandal.
The Fallout and Mounting Predicaments
The saga surrounding Ssemakadde, known for his maverick persona and fearless advocacy, now represents one of the most public personal controversies of his professional career. Critics argue that his refusal to address allegations directly — coupled with a dismissive tone — is unbecoming of a leader in an institution that champions integrity, transparency, and the rule of law.
Sources close to the situation say the relationship between the twins and Ssemakadde soured in the wake of personal and professional complications that remain cloaked in emotional trauma, digital traces, and whispers from Uganda’s legal fraternity.
The situation is further compounded by other challenges currently dogging Ssemakadde’s tenure, including mounting tensions within the ULS executive council, a backlash from sections of the bar over his outspoken political activism, and public disputes with state agencies.
While supporters hail him as a non-conformist reformer, critics argue that his increasingly personalized battles risk undermining the very institutional credibility he once vowed to protect.
Public Demands Transparency — and Decorum
Public reactions to Ssemakadde’s comments have been swift. While some sympathize with his call for privacy, many question the appropriateness of labeling the unfolding public matter as “trash” — especially in a digital age where professional boundaries, gendered power relations, and ethical accountability are under closer scrutiny than ever.
Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza, a former ally, noted in a brief social media post: “Leadership demands both courage and compassion. Dismissing genuine concerns with arrogance weakens the cause of justice.”
The Uganda Law Society has not issued a formal statement regarding the matter.
The Bigger Picture
This controversy has raised broader questions about how personal relationships intersect with professional power, especially in public institutions. The case involving the twins — both of whom were reportedly involved in advocacy and media-related projects under Ssemakadde’s orbit — may become a litmus test for how Uganda’s legal fraternity navigates issues of leadership ethics, emotional entanglements, and public accountability.
For now, Ssemakadde appears unfazed. But as scrutiny intensifies and voices grow louder, it remains to be seen whether his defiance will evolve into reflection — or deepen the divide between his admirers and critics.
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