The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has suspended its Secretary, Munaabi Phillip, and Central Region Council Member, Turyamusiima Geoffrey, with immediate effect. The suspension is pending their potential removal from office, which will be determined at the general meeting scheduled for December 17.
This decision was made during a virtual council meeting held on November 24. The meeting, attended by a majority of council members, including ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, and other members such as Isiko Arthur, passed a resolution to suspend the two officials from the executive council.
In a statement, the ULS council condemned the actions of the suspended officials, describing them as unauthorized. The council cited an unofficial document, signed by the duo, purporting to expel the ULS President and Vice President from the council. The council clarified that the document is not an official record and does not reflect its decisions.
“The council has neither considered nor passed the seven resolutions contained therein. The document has been confirmed as the unauthorized work of two council members,” the statement read.
By majority vote, the council appointed Eddie Nangulu as Interim Secretary, pending the final decision at the upcoming general meeting.
Additionally, ULS announced that the December 17 meeting will also address the election of ULS nominees to the Judicial Service Commission and the review of previously deferred books of accounts.
Controversy Surrounding ULS President
Separately, ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde has come under criticism for remarks he made during a symposium on Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Uganda, organized by the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party on November 18. During his keynote speech, Ssemakadde referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, using derogatory and sexist language, calling her “a vagina from Karamoja.”
The statement has been widely condemned as offensive and unbecoming of a leader. Notable figures, including Lilly Rose Akello, Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, have called on Ssemakadde to apologize to the DPP and Ugandans at large.
“On behalf of the Government of Uganda, I strongly condemn this flagrant abuse of freedom of speech through vulgar and offensive utterances. The language used by Mr. Isaac Ssemakadde demeans the dignity of women and does not reflect the moral fabric of our society,” Akello stated.
The incident has sparked widespread calls for accountability and reflection on the ethical standards of the legal fraternity.
