The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued an international arrest warrant for Isaac Ssemakadde, President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS). He faces charges of insulting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi granted the warrant after Ssemakadde repeatedly ignored court summons. Authorities had served a prior arrest warrant directly to him and his legal representatives, Gem Advocates. Despite this, he failed to appear in court. Reports indicate he has left the country.
“The prosecution requested an international arrest warrant. Since the accused continues to evade authorities and ignore court directives, I am issuing this warrant through Interpol,” Mr. Kayizzi stated. “It must be returned by April 16, 2025.”
Private prosecutors Joshua Byamazima and Tonny Tumukunde confirmed they had delivered the warrant to Ssemakadde’s legal team. They also sent it via WhatsApp to his personal numbers.
“We served all required documents, including the warrant, to his lawyers and the Inspector General of Police,” Mr. Tumukunde said. “He continues to defy the court’s orders.”
Ssemakadde’s legal team was absent from the hearing.
The charges stem from remarks he allegedly made on November 18, 2024, at the People’s Front for Freedom office in Katonga Village, Kampala. Prosecutors claim he used derogatory language against Lady Justice Abodo with the intent for others to hear.
In a separate case, High Court Judge Musa Ssekaana ordered his arrest on February 14, sentencing him to two years in prison for contempt of court. The ruling followed accusations that he persistently attacked the Judiciary on social media.
Ssemakadde’s exact location remains unclear. With an international warrant in place, authorities are intensifying efforts to bring him back.