Ssemakadde Vs DPP Abodo: Arrest Warrant Sought for No-nonsense Law Socierty President Over Court Absence in the Indecent Assault Case

KAMPALA, Uganda: A legal storm is brewing in Uganda’s judicial circles as the Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate, Ronald Kayizzi, has been petitioned to issue an arrest warrant for prominent human rights lawyer and Uganda Law Society President, Isaac Ssemakadde. The request, filed by lawyers Tonny Tumukunde and Joshua Byamazima, comes after Ssemakadde failed to appear in court following criminal summons issued by Magistrate Kayizzi.

The embattled lawyer is facing charges of indecent assault, against Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo. The allegations stem from a series of incidents where Ssemakadde is accused of using offensive language against DPP Abodo. Notably, he referred to her as a “rotten tomato” and questioned her qualifications for the DPP role. However, the most inflammatory remark in this case was when he allegedly referred to Abodo as a woman’s private parts. These statements were widely circulated on social media, particularly on his X account, where Ssemakadde is known for his outspoken views.

“Anyone who refers to a woman by her private body parts intends to insult her modesty… Anyone who refers to a woman as a vagina from Karamoja,a pumpkin, deadwood, or a dwimt at a public function and in the presence of media knows that the said woman will definitely hear those words said against her. The intention is mostly to insult her modesty,” Magistrate Kayizzi stated.

The incident in question allegedly took place on November 18, 2024, at a symposium on the state of the rule of law, constitutionalism, and human rights. The event, organized by the People’s Freedom Front (formerly the FDC Katonga faction), was held at Katonga Road in Kampala.

Tumukunde and Byamazima argued that Ssemakadde’s failure to appear in person signals an attempt to suppress the judicial process. However, the ULS President’s lead counsel, Derrick Bazzekuketta, dismissed the claim, asserting that Ssemakadde is legally represented and, therefore, fully present in court through his legal team.

Ssemakadde is no stranger to controversy. In 2020, he was apprehended by plain-clothed detectives at Twed Towers following a court session related to his advocacy for the inclusion of lawyers among essential service providers during the COVID-19 lockdown. Authorities linked his arrest to online posts that were deemed to constitute cyber harassment and offensive communication. At the time, he attempted to evade arrest but was later apprehended near Fairway Hotel.

Born on September 15th 1984, Ssemakadde has carved out a reputation as a formidable human rights defender and describes himself as an “anticlockwise thinker” and a “legal rebel.” His election as President of the Uganda Law Society in September 2024 solidified his status as a significant figure in Uganda’s legal landscape.

The latest legal proceedings against Ssemakadde have sparked heated public debate, with many closely watching the court’s next move. This case underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the legal boundaries of communication in Uganda. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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Daniels N Tatya: Mr. Daniels N. Tatya is an affluent Sports Writer, Commentator and Editor. His over 15 years of covering almost major sporting events makes him a revered and an authority on investigative Sports journalism in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected] +256(0)758268315