Uganda Law Society In Turmoil: Isaac Ssemakadde’s Presidency Faces Mounting Challenges
Twin Allegations: A Personal Scandal with Public Fallout A recent exposé published by Uganda Today detailed a controversial and ethically murky relationship between Ssemakadde and twin sisters Yvonne Babirye and Cynthia Nakato, who had worked closely with him under activist and legal umbrellas. The sisters allege emotional manipulation, professional exploitation, and a pattern of abuse under the guise of mentorship and solidarity work.
Uganda Today Edition: Uganda Law Society In Turmoil: Isaac Ssemakadde’s Presidency Faces Mounting Challenges
By Uganda Today Investigations Desk
www.ugandatoday.co.ug | April 22, 2025
The once trailblazing tenure of Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde appears to be unraveling under the weight of mounting scandals, political pressure, and unprecedented internal strife, painting a grim picture of a leadership in crisis.
What began as a revolutionary presidency backed by grassroots legal minds and activist enthusiasm now risks ending in ignominy, as events surrounding Ssemakadde’s leadership continue to deteriorate in full public glare.
1. Flight from Justice: Court Warrants and Evasion
Ssemakadde’s legal woes deepened after a string of arrest warrants were issued in connection to contempt of court and defamation-related cases, most notably tied to his long-running battles with senior judicial figures. Uganda Today reported earlier this month that Ssemakadde quietly left the country amidst increasing pressure from judicial authorities and threats of incarceration, effectively paralyzing the day-to-day leadership of the Uganda Law Society (Uganda Today Report – April 10, 2025).
2. Twin Allegations: A Personal Scandal with Public Fallout
A recent exposé published by Uganda Today detailed a controversial and ethically murky relationship between Ssemakadde and twin sisters Yvonne Babirye and Cynthia Nakato, who had worked closely with him under activist and legal umbrellas. The sisters allege emotional manipulation, professional exploitation, and a pattern of abuse under the guise of mentorship and solidarity work.
When contacted by Uganda Today, Ssemakadde’s dismissive reply was simply:
“Trash. Let the twins grieve their loss in peace and some dignity.”
His refusal to engage with the serious allegations has only intensified scrutiny around his fitness to continue as ULS president.
3. The Resignation and Exile of Enoch Kizito: A Loyalist Abandoned
Perhaps the most telling indicator of a collapsing leadership structure is the sudden and dramatic resignation of Enoch Kizito, who served as the Clerk to the Uganda Law Society Council, Head of Protocol, and the President’s Schedule Handler. According to credible sources, Kizito fled to exile following weeks of interrogation by Parliamentary CID and Crime Intelligence and Monitoring (CIM) over a dossier he delivered to the Parliament.
The dossier detailed explosive allegations against Justice Musa Ssekaana, claiming that he had molested several women litigants in his chambers. Kizito was accused of forging the documents, despite acting on instructions from the Uganda Law Society Council. Uganda Today has obtained correspondence that shows Kizito requested protection from the Law Council, which was never granted.
In his final message before departure, Kizito allegedly expressed fear for his life, citing persistent threats, anonymous calls, and a sense of betrayal from the institution he served.
4. Law Council’s Silence: Institutional Breakdown or Complicity?
The Uganda Law Council has remained tight-lipped on the matter, refusing to publicly acknowledge the harassment and intimidation of Kizito, nor initiating any probe into the authenticity of the Ssekaana accusations. Critics argue that the Council’s inaction reflects a broader institutional failure—where internal corruption, fear, and political compromise have rendered key legal bodies inert.
5. Mounting Calls for Resignation
Legal scholars, activist lawyers, and concerned Uganda Law Society members are increasingly calling for Ssemakadde to step down to preserve the dignity of the society. An emergency petition is currently circulating online demanding a General Assembly to vote on a motion of no-confidence.
As one senior advocate, who preferred anonymity, put it:
“The Uganda Law Society presidency has become an arena of personal vendettas, not professional stewardship. Ssemakadde’s silence is not leadership—it’s abdication.”
6. The Bigger Picture: A Fragile Legal Community in Crisis
What started as a hopeful reformist moment in the Uganda Law Society has now degenerated into factionalism, fear, and public distrust. At the center of it all is a president increasingly isolated, both physically and institutionally, as his inner circle crumbles and his legal shield thins.
The coming weeks will likely define whether Isaac Ssemakadde resigns with a shred of dignity or is forced out amid further scandal and exposure. Either way, Uganda’s legal fraternity is now at a crossroads, with its integrity, transparency, and resilience under public scrutiny.
Published by www.ugandatoday.co.ug, your trusted source for news and analysis
Website: https://www.ugandatoday.co.ug/about-cmk
Website: https://www.ugandatoday.co.ug
WhatsApp: +256 702 239 337
X (formerly Twitter): @uganda43443 | @ugtodaynews
Email: ugandatodayedition@gmail.com
Let’s help you grow your brand and keep your audience informed. Partner with Uganda Today—where your story matters in shaping the social and economic dynamics of the country.
