The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued an executive order directing its members to boycott Judge Musa Ssekaana for one month, citing 18 instances of alleged judicial misconduct.
Announced by ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, the boycott, which takes effect immediately, aims to address what the society described as “actions that undermine the integrity of the judiciary.”
The alleged misconduct includes abuse of power, bias, failure to adhere to the law, conflicts of interest, and harassment of court users.
According to the ULS, Judge Ssekaana used his position to secure special treatment for relatives and friends, disregarded legal principles, and intimidated advocates appearing before him.
“These actions violate the principles of impartiality and erode public confidence in the judiciary,” read the executive order.
In a symbolic move, the ULS has withdrawn the “Excellence from the Bench” award it granted to Judge Ssekaana in 2021.
The society directed him to return the award and remove any reference to it from his professional documents and public profiles.
“The award no longer reflects the values it was meant to celebrate,” the statement said.
The ULS also criticised the Principal Judge for failing to take administrative action against Judge Ssekaana despite numerous complaints.
“The continued inaction has emboldened Judge Ssekaana to perpetuate misconduct,” the order stated.
The Judicial Service Commission has been directed to expedite investigations into complaints against Judge Ssekaana, with findings expected by January 15, 2025.
Members of the ULS who fail to comply with the boycott risk disciplinary action.
The boycott is set to be reviewed during a general meeting scheduled before January 31, 2025, where the ULS will also discuss the judiciary’s annual performance report.
President Ssemakadde underscored the need for accountability, stating, “The integrity of our courts is paramount to ensuring justice for all.”
Last week, the High Court blocked the Uganda Law Society’s extraordinary general meeting (EGM) and elections that were scheduled for December 17, 2024.
The order was issued by Justice Ssekaana following an application by ULS member Hashim Mugisha Mugisha, who challenged the legality of the meeting and the process by which the vacant positions arose.
In his application,Mugisha listed the ULS and seven other lawyers, including Eddie Nangulu, Steven Kalali, Denis Kusasira, Elison Karuhanga, Prof. Christopher Mbazira, and Milton Ocen, as respondents.
He also named suspended ULS Secretary Phillip Munaabi and Central Region Representative Geoffrey Turyamusiima.
Mugisha Mugisha sought declarations that the decision to expel Ssemakadde and Anthony Asiimwe as ULS President and Vice President, respectively, by Munaabi was illegal.
He further requested that the court quash the decisions suspending Munaabi and Turyamusiima from the ULS Council, describing them as procedurally improper and ultra vires.
Additionally, Mugisha Mugisha called for the nullification of decisions made by the ULS Council on November 24, 2024, which he claimed were irregular and unlawful.
The dispute has brought internal divisions within the ULS to light, with some members accusing the leadership of acting beyond its authority and in contravention of the ULS Charter.
Opposing lawyers, led by Steven Kalali, argued that Mugisha Mugisha’s application was an attempt to derail the EGM scheduled for December 16, 2024.
Kalali stated that the meeting was arranged to comply with a court ruling in Miscellaneous Cause No. 129 of 2024 Kalali vs ULS.
He also noted that candidates for ULS elections had already paid nomination fees of Shs 2 million each.
