KAMPALA-Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde has issued a letter suspending Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Solicitor General from Uganda Law Society council as a result of incompetence.
In an Executive Order RNB No.1 of 2024 dated 14th October 2024, Ssemakadde noted thata they are deeply concerned by the recent deterioration of the justice system in Uganda, marked by a growing disregard for the rule of law, rampant impunity, and an erosion of public trust in the integrity of the legal profession.
“Ever since he assumed office, AG Kiryowa Kiwanuka Nsumikambi Mugambe has curiously condoned torture, subversion of bail and the trial of civilians in military tribunals contrary to the Government of the Republic of Uganda’s commitments under International Human Rights Law. He has threatened, without Cabinet backing to amend the law to ensure that courts do not acquit or stay the trial of a suspect on account of having been tortured while in custody.”
On top of that , ULS acusses Kiryowa Kiwanuka of imposing an unpopular, unjust, and unconstitutional decision on the Uganda Law Reform Commission, requiring a fee for accessing Ugandan laws digitally, a practice previously unthinkable, thus hindering access to justice and the rule of law.
“Wherefore, by this Order, AG Kiryowa Kiwanuka Nsumikambi Mugambe is no longer recognised as Head of the Bar and has no authority or competence whatsoever to act for or behalf of or to represent the Uganda Bar. He however remains a member of the Uganda Law Society (ULS ID No 0016).
This decision was reached by the ULS’sel newly elected Council, in the exercise of its constitutional and statutory mandate and in unwavering commitment to the rule of law issues. “This Executive Order as a bold and necessary step to restore public faith in the legal profession and to protect the independence of the Uganda Law Society.”
This has come a few hours after Some of the jailed National Unity Platform (NUP) members (civilians) who were during the2021 Presidential elections pleaded guilty of capital offences before Makindye General Court martial after close 4 years in detention.
