Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Law Society (ULS) today announced a complete boycott of the Hon. Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo’s Thanksgiving Party scheduled for July 12th, 2025, in Patongo.
ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde.
The ULS, under the leadership of President Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde, cited a series of recent actions that undermine the judiciary’s independence and the rule of law.
The boycott follows the highly contentious de-listing of four crucial appeals scheduled for hearing on July 10th at the Court of Appeal. Civil Appeal 61 of 2025, Civil Appeal 98 of 2025, Civil Appeal 99 of 2025, and Civil Appeal 102 of 2025 are central to the ULS’s operations, its general meetings, elections, and protecting its president from perceived judicial harassment.
The ULS contends that the Registrar’s decision, communicated on June 30th and July 3rd, lacks legal justification and improperly interferes with the court’s autonomy and impartiality. The society points to a precedent set in Security Group v Marie Stopes (Civil Appeal 156 of 2013), arguing that the Registrar’s claim of mandatory pre-listing conferencing is contradicted by established case law. The ULS expresses concern over the Deputy Chief Justice’s apparent disregard for this precedent and lack of accountability for the decision.
Further fueling the protest, the ULS accuses the Deputy Chief Justice of using a purported third round of mediation—following two unsuccessful attempts led by Justices Kiryabwire and Musisi—as a tactic to delay justice and benefit specific parties. The ULS views this as a clear attempt to manipulate the legal process.
The ULS points to a February 7th, 2025 statement by the Chief Justice threatening “consequences” against the society and its president, including restricting access to the courts and imposing decisions unilaterally. The society further criticizes the Chief Justice’s hosting of the President of Uganda at a private gathering in the same time frame as the general elections, arguing that this action erodes public confidence in the separation of powers and the judiciary’s independence.
The ULS considers the Thanksgiving Party a symbolic gesture that obscures the erosion of judicial accountability and independence, especially given the tense political climate surrounding the upcoming elections. The society states unequivocally that the boycott is a direct consequence of these perceived breaches of judicial propriety and the denial of a fair hearing on July 10th.
The ULS firmly reiterates its commitment to the rule of law, judicial accountability, and the protection of democratic institutions. The society urges the Chief Justice to swiftly address these grievances and reinstate the de-listed appeals to the Court’s schedule.
Here is the letter below;
The copies were also sent to : The Hon. Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija and All Members of the Uganda Law Society.
End.
