Buganda Road Magistrates Court is set to rule today on whether to issue an arrest warrant for Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde, the president of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), who is facing charges over alleged offensive comments against Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Justice Jane Frances Abodo.
The request for the arrest warrant was filed by lawyers Tonny Tumukunde and Joshua Byamazima after Ssemakadde failed to appear in court to respond to charges of insulting a woman’s modesty. The charges stem from remarks he allegedly made about Justice Abodo at a symposium on November 18, 2024, which later circulated widely on social media.
Ssemakadde’s legal team opposed the move, arguing that he is adequately represented by his lawyers and should not be required to appear in person. One lawyer called the warrant request “unnecessary and prejudicial” and stated their client has fully complied with court proceedings through his representatives.
However, the prosecution insists that Ssemakadde’s physical presence is necessary to formally address the charges. If granted, the arrest warrant could escalate the legal proceedings, potentially leading to Ssemakadde’s detention and a high-profile trial.
This case began as a private prosecution in December 2024 following public outrage over Ssemakadde’s alleged comments. The legal battle has drawn significant attention, with legal experts and human rights advocates debating the implications of prosecuting public figures for statements made in professional or academic settings.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi is expected to deliver his ruling online, which could set an important legal precedent for similar cases in Uganda.
If an arrest warrant is issued, Ssemakadde could be immediately apprehended, complicating the ongoing case. On the other hand, if the request is denied, it may raise questions regarding the enforcement of laws meant to protect public officials from verbal attacks.
