This Further Exposes Your Indisputable Impartiality:ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde Vows to Fight ‘Illegal’ Arrest Warrant Issued by Buganda Road Court

By Spy Uganda

KAMPALA– Outspoken senior lawyer and President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Isaac Ssemakadde, has vowed to challenge what he called an “unjustified and politically motivated” arrest warrant issued against him by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court.

The court, on Wednesday March 19, 2025, ordered his arrest and directed Interpol to effect the warrant. However, Ssemakadde, through his social media platform, revealed that his legal team had earlier filed an application seeking to block the move, but the court refused to consider it.

A letter from GEM Advocates, representing Ssemakadde, shows that they had petitioned the High Court of Uganda to intervene. They argued that the lower court had declined to halt the proceedings pending revision, thereby violating their client’s right to liberty and a fair hearing.

“The denial has severely jeopardized our client’s liberty and right to a fair hearing,” reads part of the letter addressed to Hon. Justice Paul W. Gadenya of the High Court. The lawyers urged the court to issue a ruling notice with an interim stay of proceedings.

Ssemakadde has since expressed his determination to resist the warrant, calling it a violation of his fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and movement. He stated that his legal team would engage Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Files to remove any red notice against him from the Interpol system.

“As the High Court is aware of the revision proceedings, the warrant issued today by Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court is unwarranted. This violates my right to freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and international law standards for issuing warrants,” Ssemakadde posted.

Ssemakadde, a vocal critic of judicial excesses and a champion of human rights, has often found himself at loggerheads with authorities. His latest legal battle is likely to spark debate on the independence of the judiciary and the use of legal instruments to suppress dissent.

His supporters have decried what they term as state persecution, while legal experts argue that the unfolding events could set a precedent for future cases involving judicial revision and fair trial rights.

With the case now attracting national and international attention, all eyes are on the High Court to see whether it will intervene to halt the warrant or if Ssemakadde will be arrested as directed.