ULS Sack Ssemakadde Just Less Than 3 Months In Office
By Angel Lubowa
KAMPALA
LESS than three months after the ” anti clockwise thinker” lawyer Isaac Kimeze Ssemakadde promised to steer with integrity and transparency, the Uganda Law society has suspended him as it’s president for allegedly lack of transparency among others.
As you read this, Mr Ssemakadde has been expelled from the ULS Council, along with his deputy Anthony Asiimwe.
His suspension followed a series of allegations misconduct and mismanagement.
The bitter decision was made after a majority of Council members appealed to Mr Ssemakadde to apologise for his actions, only their appeals to go in vain.
Members then passed a resolution which was overwhelmingly supported and signed by the secretary general Mr Phillip Munaabi with the aim of putting the ULS on its alleged supposed track.
It’s alleged that the two leaders conspired to handle financial matters, including online bank approvals, without Council knowledge or approval.
Mr Asiimwe’s actions were reportedly done illegally, as he is not a mandated signatory for the ULS’s finances.
Fresh media reports indicate that two are also accused of creating a management crisis at the ULS, particularly by spreading unfounded allegations of witch-hunt against ULS staff.
These actions have reportedly caused tension and instability within the organisation.
To address the current crisis, an Internal Caretaker Committee has been constituted, which will be led by Mr Munaabi. The Committee’s primary responsibility is to steer the Society through this turbulent period.
All expelled individuals, including their aides and agents, have been barred from accessing ULS premises, emails, and property and are liable to criminal proceedings in case of any breach.
Recently Mr Ssemakadde through an executive order, kicked the Attorney-General and Solicitor General from the ULS Council, a matter which has brought legal battles.
A week ago , he stoked the anger of many when he spoke about the Director of Public Prosecution, Ms Jane Frances Abodo, using uncouth language.
Several entities, including the Ministry of Ethics and Integrity, have asked Mr Ssemakadde to apologise while the DPP threatened to sue him.
Mr Ssemakadde has taken sick leave.
In early September, Mr Ssemakadde was voted the winner of the ULS presidential contest with about 2101 votes against 890 votes for his challenger, Mr Isaac Atukunda.
Mr Ssemakadde then raised expectations when he chorused his determination to take ULS to another level.
During his maiden talk, he said ,” I am committee to serving you with integrity and transparency…..”.
Following what is stalling at ULS, the public is yet to know which camp is feeding them on the truth and nothing but the truth.
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