Two Lawyers Tonny Tumukunde and Joshua Byamazima have applied to the Buganda Road Magistrates Court to have the Uganda Law Society President Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde arrested for failing to honour court summons.
This application to have an arrest warrant issued against Ssemakadde was filed on Wednesday after the latter snubbed summons that were issued against him 2 weeks ago to appear on charges of insulting the modesty of the Director of Public Prosecutions Justice Jane Frances Abodo.
Ssemakadde’s troubles stem from derogatory comments he allegedly made about Justice Abodo during a symposium on November 18, 2024.
These comments were widely circulated on social media, leading to a private prosecution against Ssemakadde in December 2024.
However, Ssemakadde’s lawyers have objected to the issuance of an arrest warrant, arguing that their client is effectively present in court through their representation.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi has adjourned the matter until February 10, 2025, to decide on whether Ssemakadde should be arrested.
Isaac Ssemakadde, through his lawyers, GEM Advocates last month asked Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court to dismiss the private prosecution case.
In their application, Ssemakadde’s lawyers claim that the private prosecutors failed to obtain a victim impact statement from the DPP, which is crucial for establishing a prima facie case in a victim-centred charge.
They contend that without such a deposition, the court lacks jurisdiction to proceed with the matter under the Magistrates Courts Act.
The case has generated significant public interest, with calls from various quarters urging Ssemakadde to apologise to the DPP.