According to the ULS, the Chief Justice’s demands were a clear attempt to “weaponize the judiciary” to harass, intimidate, and silence Senior Counsel Isaac Ssemakadde, the head of the bar.
Owiny-Dollo denied Uganda Law Society President from addressing New Law Year gathering which is normally attended by Justices, Judges and representatives from key institutions in the administration of justice. Past Law Society Presidents have addressed such gathering.
Lawyer Nalukoola Luyimbazi a member of the bar said if the Attorney General feels that he has interest in this matter, let him appear in court in person instead of sending what he described as his agents.
He said that some individuals have held these positions for an extended period without affording others the opportunity, which contradicts principles of good governance, the rule of law, and transparency.
According to the invitation sent to the lawyers, the court rules of procedure and guidelines will be discussed with the view to improve effectiveness and efficiency in the administration of justice.
The permission follows a successful application by the Uganda Law Society-ULS which was supported by an affidavit by its current president Pheona Nabasa Wall, who told the court that the ULS Act requires them to conduct an AGM annually as soon as convenient, after December 31.
Some of the lawyers say the center was founded on an illegality since it doesn’t fell under the mandate of ULS and the fact that the constitution mandates the government of Uganda to offer services the center seeks to offer.
