Controversial Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde’s exact whereabouts remain unknown, despite local and international warrants for his immediate arrest.
However, his social media presence has not diminished in the face of his woes. Ssemakkade has consistently taken to his X formerly twitter , to update his followers and curious onlookers on events and reactions.
On Tuesday, the Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizze ordered Interpol to capture the outspoken Lawyer following his continued refusal to honour court summons and appearances. This latest order followed another arrest warrant issued in late February.
Now, Ssemakkade has taken his legal battle to the High Court, seeking the cancellation of an arrest warrant issued against him by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ssemakadde described the warrants as “unjustified and politically motivated.” He revealed that a petition had been lodged before the High Court, challenging the orders issued in Criminal Case No. 913 of 2024.
“The High Court is aware of the revision proceedings. The warrant issued today is unwarranted and violates my fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and movement,” Ssemakadde stated.
His lawyers, GEM Advocates, have formally petitioned the High Court in Miscellaneous Application No. 0030 of 2025, requesting an urgent ruling to halt proceedings at the lower court. In a letter addressed to Hon. Justice Paul W. Gadenya, they argued that the Chief Magistrates Court’s decision to proceed without a stay order had jeopardized their client’s liberty and right to a fair hearing.
With the next hearing set for March 19, 2025, Ssemakadde’s legal team urged the High Court to prioritize the matter and issue an interim order suspending proceedings at Buganda Road Court.
Ssemakadde also disclosed plans to challenge any potential international action against him, stating that his lawyers would engage Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Files to ensure that no red notice is placed against him.
The case has sparked debate among legal circles, with supporters calling the warrant an attempt to stifle dissent, while others argue that due process must take its course.
lawyers Tonny Tumukunde and Joshua Byamazima petitioned the court, demanding the arrest of the firebrand President of the Uganda Law Society.
The duo accuses Ssemakadde of “insulting the modesty” of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo under Section 115(3) of the Penal Code Act.
Court issued a criminal summons ordering Ssemakadde to appear in court on January 29, 2025. However, Ssemakadde did not personally appear to take a plea. His lawyers, Derrick Bazekuketta and Nasser Kibazo, appeared on his behalf, claiming he was down with flu.
His woes started after a High Court ruling that found him guilty of contempt of court for social media attacks on Justice Musa Ssekaana, leading to a two-year prison sentence for defamation and judicial intimidation.
Following this ruling, Ssemakkadde has not personally appeared in court.
