KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Law Society has announced it will boycott the opening of the 2026 Law Year, citing its exclusion from the official programme and a lack of a formal invitation to the institution.
In a letter dated Feb. 3, 2026, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony informed the judiciary that the society and its members would not attend the Feb. 5 ceremony. The society noted that while some members received personal invitations, the organization itself was sidelined.
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“Regrettably, no formal invitation was extended to the ULS as an institution,” Asiimwe wrote. “Moreover, a review of the published programme reveals that no opportunity has been afforded to the ULS leadership to address the gathering.”
The move marks a departure from long-standing tradition where the national bar association is granted a speaking slot. ULS officials characterized the omission as a continuation of “tyrannical and oppressive treatment” following last year’s ceremony, when ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde was reportedly denied the chance to speak despite being on the programme.
Asiimwe stated that the exclusion harms the relationship between the bench and the bar, which he described as indispensable pillars of justice. He added that he sought clarification from the acting chief registrar, Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, but received no response.
The society maintained it could not attend as a “passive observer” at an event of such professional and constitutional significance.
