Unbelievable: Justice Musa Ssekaana Sentences Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde to Two Years in Jail
Chief Justice’s Warning on Attacks Against the Judiciary Speaking at the New Law Year event, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo issued a stern warning against individuals who verbally attack judicial officers. He condemned what he called “vulgar, primitive assaults” on the Judiciary, emphasizing that while constructive criticism is acceptable, outright abuse will not be tolerated.
Uganda Today Edition: Unbelievable: Justice Musa Ssekaana Sentences Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde to Two Years in Jail
KAMPALA – High Court Judge Musa Ssekaana has sentenced Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde to two years in prison for contempt of court. The ruling, delivered in Kampala, follows a series of inflammatory and derogatory social media posts by Ssemakadde targeting the judge and the judiciary.
The case was brought to court by Hashim Mugisha, who accused Ssemakadde of deliberately undermining judicial authority through offensive social media remarks, including posts on X (formerly Twitter). The remarks included accusations of an “unholy alliance” between the judge, the Attorney General, and members of the ULS, alongside crude insults aimed at Justice Ssekaana.
One particular post even referred to the judge with a vulgar insult, accusing him of sexual harassment, an allegation that the court deemed an attempt to discredit judicial integrity.
In his ruling, Justice Ssekaana stated that contempt of court encompasses any act that erodes the dignity and authority of the judiciary. He expressed concern over the misuse of social media, where individuals, including legal professionals, attack judges and seek to influence ongoing legal proceedings.
“The protection of courts from such attacks, especially when cases are pending, is vital,” Justice Ssekaana emphasized. “A person knowledgeable in legal matters and elected as the head of the Uganda Law Society should set an example, not incite discord and disrespect toward the judiciary.”
The ruling reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding judicial independence while distinguishing legitimate criticism from defamatory and intimidating statements. While the right to free speech remains fundamental, the judge noted that it should not be exercised in a manner that undermines public order, morality, or the authority of the state.
“Contempt of court of this nature crosses the acceptable limit of free speech because it brings the administration of justice into disrepute,” the judge asserted. “It undermines the confidence that the public should have in judges who are appointed under the Constitution to administer justice.”
Justice Ssekaana further ordered Ssemakadde to bear the costs of the application, citing his actions as particularly egregious given that the defamatory statements directly targeted the judge presiding over the case in question.
Chief Justice’s Warning on Attacks Against the Judiciary
Speaking at the New Law Year event, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo issued a stern warning against individuals who verbally attack judicial officers. He condemned what he called “vulgar, primitive assaults” on the Judiciary, emphasizing that while constructive criticism is acceptable, outright abuse will not be tolerated.
“Someone abuses you, makes you feel stupid, and then comes to your house expecting business as usual,” the Chief Justice remarked. “People think they demonstrate greatness by attacking instead of engaging in meaningful criticism. If the law doesn’t favor you, accept it. Our duty is to uphold constitutionalism and justice.”
Ssemakadde’s sentencing has sparked debate among the public, with some viewing it as an example of the judiciary enforcing discipline and upholding its integrity, while others perceive it as judicial overreach. Critics argue that the ruling reflects broader tensions between the judiciary and legal practitioners who have been outspoken against certain judicial decisions.
At the recent judicial new law year event where Ssemakadde was invited but denied the opportunity to speak, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo justified the decision, stating that Ssemakadde’s history of abusing judicial officers warranted such action. “He should have at least apologized to Justice Ssekaana,” Owiny-Dollo said. “Failure to do so has led to consequences.”
As debates continue, Ssemakadde now faces an arrest warrant to enforce his sentence. His legal team is expected to challenge the ruling, setting the stage for further legal battles over the limits of free speech and judicial authority in Uganda.
This case underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the protection of judicial integrity, a debate that is likely to persist within Uganda’s legal and public discourse.
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