Buganda Road Court has ordered the International Police (Interpol) to arrest Isaac Ssemakadde, the President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), on charges of insulting the modesty of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo.
This follows a request by private prosecutors Tonny Tumukunde and Joshua Byamazima, who have accused Ssemakadde of publicly disrespecting Abodo.
The arrest warrant was issued today by Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, who, after reviewing the situation, concluded that Ssemakadde’s whereabouts are currently unknown and that he is likely outside the country. This has led to the magistrate’s decision to involve Interpol in the matter, directing the international police to apprehend Ssemakadde on sight.
The legal storm began when Ssemakadde, a prominent figure in Uganda’s legal circles, allegedly made disparaging remarks about the DPP, which were deemed as an insult to her office. The incident ignited a firestorm within legal and political circles, with many expressing concerns over the implications for the rule of law and respect for authority in Uganda’s legal system.
Ssemakadde’s critics argue that his actions undermined the dignity of the office of the DPP and tarnished the image of Uganda’s legal profession. However, his supporters maintain that the charges are politically motivated and an attempt to silence him for his outspoken stance on legal reforms and human rights issues in Uganda.
The court’s decision to involve Interpol signals the seriousness with which the case is being treated. This move is expected to increase tensions in Uganda’s legal community, where the Uganda Law Society is seen as an influential body with the power to shape the country’s legal landscape.
As of now, Ssemakadde remains at large, and it remains to be seen whether Interpol will succeed in locating and apprehending him. His absence raises questions about the political dynamics at play, as well as the power struggles within Uganda’s legal and political institutions.
