Leadership Crisis Rocks Uganda Law Society as ‘Expelled’ Ssemakadde Suspends Secretary Munaabi

A dramatic turn of events has unfolded at the Uganda Law Society (ULS), with the President, Isaac Ssemakadde, and the Vice President, Asiimwe Anthony, facing expulsion from the ULS Council.

The expulsion order, dated November 23, 2024, was issued by Phillip Munaabi, the Secretary of the ULS, citing the President’s use of vulgar language against state actors and the Vice President’s alleged mishandling of online bank approvals for ULS finances.

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However, in a swift response, the ULS Council, comprising of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and regional representatives, convened an electronic meeting on November 24, 2024.

The meeting resolved to suspend Phillip Munaabi and Geofrey Turyamusiima, the Council Member for the Central Region, from the ULS Council with immediate effect.

The suspension is pending the determination of their removal from office at the general meeting scheduled for December 17, 2024.

Eddie Nangulu has been appointed as the interim Secretary pending the decision of the general meeting.

The ULS Council has also resolved to address several matters at the general meeting, including the removal of the suspended members, the election of ULS nominees to the Judicial Service Commission, and the review of previously deferred books of accounts.

The Uganda Law Society Act, which governs the operations of the ULS, provides for the composition and functions of the ULS Council.

Section 9 of the Act states that the Council shall consist of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Honorary Secretary, and regional representatives.

The Act also empowers the Council to make decisions and take actions necessary to achieve the objectives of the ULS.

The expulsion order issued by Phillip Munaabi cited the President’s alleged misconduct and the Vice President’s alleged mishandling of ULS finances. However, the ULS Council has dismissed the expulsion order, stating that it was unauthorized and not in line with the ULS Act.