Lawyers warn ULS political endorsements erode professional independence
In a strongly worded condemnation circulated among lawyers, dissenting members accused the ULS leadership of abandoning the society’s foundational principle of non-partisanship, which they argue is central to its credibility as a professional body.
The dissenting lawyers argued that political neutrality is not merely a tradition but a constitutional necessity for the legal profession. (Photo by Ibrahim Ruhweza)
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A section of members of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has rejected an executive order issued by the society’s president, Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde, directing lawyers to endorse National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, warning that the unprecedented move undermines the rule of law and erodes the profession’s long-standing tradition of political neutrality.
The executive order, dated December 21, 2025, and referenced as RNB No. 6 of 2025, was issued by the ULS governing council and signed by Ssemakadde.
In the order, the leadership endorsed Kyagulanyi and party flag bearers from one political formation participating in the ongoing presidential and parliamentary campaigns. Critics argue that the decision was made without consultation with the broader membership of the society.
In a strongly worded condemnation circulated among lawyers, dissenting members accused the ULS leadership of abandoning the society’s foundational principle of non-partisanship, which they argue is central to its credibility as a professional body.
“Once the Law Society becomes partisan, it loses the moral authority to speak objectively on matters of justice, constitutionalism and the rule of law,” said Dylan Karwani, an advocate of the High Court, while speaking on Monday (December 29) at Golf Course Club in Kampala.
“The strength of ULS has always been its ability to unite lawyers of all political beliefs under one professional mandate. This executive order threatens to fracture that unity,” he said.
Karwani noted that ULS members belong to diverse political parties, including NRM, FDC, NUP, DP, JEEMA and ANT, and that the governing council itself was elected by lawyers across this political spectrum.
According to him, endorsing a specific candidate without consultation amounts to imposing political choices on members and risks turning the Society into a partisan actor.
“The council was entrusted with safeguarding the profession, not directing members on who to support politically. History will judge this decision harshly if it is allowed to stand,” he said.
The dissenting lawyers argued that political neutrality is not merely a tradition but a constitutional necessity for the legal profession.
As officers of the court, they said lawyers are expected to defend the rule of law, protect human rights and ensure access to justice for all, regardless of political affiliation.
“When lawyers are perceived to act along partisan lines, the impartiality of justice itself comes into question,” Karwani said.
“Public confidence in courts and legal institutions depends heavily on the perceived independence of the legal profession,” he added.
The letter condemning the executive order stressed that the mandate of the Uganda Law Society is professional, not political. It outlines the society’s core role as promoting professional ethics, defending human rights and advancing access to justice, while holding duty bearers accountable without fear or favour.
Lawyer Isaac Ayebazibwe said neutrality does not mean silence in the face of injustice. He argued that independence from political parties enables the legal profession to engage national issues from a principled, constitutional and evidence-based standpoint.
“ULS has historically spoken truth to power precisely because it was not aligned to any political side,” he said.
Ayebazibwe warned that once independence is compromised, even criticism of illegality risks being dismissed as politically motivated.
He called on ULS members and stakeholders to disregard the executive order in order to protect the society’s non-partisan character and preserve national cohesion, justice and the rule of law.
He reaffirmed the society’s long-standing policy of political neutrality in its institutional affairs.
“As Uganda heads deeper into a heated election period, the standoff exposes growing tensions within one of the country’s most influential professional bodies, raising questions about leadership, consultation and the future role of the Uganda Law Society in a politically charged environment,” he said.