President of Uganda Law Society Pays Courtesy Call on Chief Justice to Discuss Justice Administration Matters

*By John Kusolo*

In a significant gesture aimed at bolstering collaboration and addressing critical issues in Uganda’s judicial sector, Mr. Isaac Ssemakadde, the President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), recently paid a courtesy call on Hon. Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo at his official residence in Nakasero, Kampala. This meeting, highlighting the commitment of the Uganda Law Society and the Judiciary to enhance the administration of justice in Uganda, drew attention from various legal professionals and stakeholders in the field.

Mr. Ssemakadde was accompanied by a prominent delegation of ULS representatives, including Mr. Turyamusiima Geofrey, Council Member Central; Mr. Milton Ochen; and Ms. Sheila Wagidoso, ULS members committed to supporting strategic objectives of the society. Additionally, the delegation included Mr. Kizito Enock, Clerk to Council; Ms. Yuovune Babirye and Ms. Cynthia Nakato from the ULS "Back on Track" team; and Mr. Adam Nuwamanya, the Public Relations Officer. These representatives bring diverse expertise and are actively involved in various ULS initiatives, particularly those focused on upholding justice and enhancing legal support for the community.

The primary agenda for this courtesy visit was to foster dialogue on the administration of justice in Uganda, a subject of increasing relevance amid Uganda’s evolving legal landscape. Mr. Ssemakadde’s discussions with Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo centered on challenges faced within the justice system, potential areas for cooperation, and the roles that both the Uganda Law Society and the Judiciary can play in implementing reforms to ensure more efficient, fair, and accessible justice for all Ugandans.

During the meeting, Mr. Ssemakadde and his team explored a range of topics critical to the justice sector, including case backlog, accessibility of judicial services, public confidence in the legal system, and the need for strengthened coordination between legal practitioners and judicial officers. The dialogue underscored the necessity of integrating modern tools and approaches to streamline legal processes, a goal aligned with Uganda’s broader judicial reforms and digital transformation agenda.

Another focal point was the significance of legal education and public awareness in promoting a better understanding of legal rights and responsibilities among Ugandans. Both ULS and the Judiciary share a common vision of enhancing the public’s legal literacy, which can, in turn, empower citizens to utilize legal mechanisms effectively and promote a culture of respect for the rule of law.

The meeting underscored the commitment of both the Uganda Law Society and the Judiciary to work collaboratively on issues affecting the legal sector. Mr. Ssemakadde expressed optimism that increased engagement between the ULS and the Judiciary would lead to meaningful reforms, benefiting Ugandan citizens and strengthening the rule of law. Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo also commended the ULS for its proactive role in advocating for a fair and transparent justice system, and he reiterated the Judiciary’s readiness to partner with legal professionals to address pressing challenges.

This courtesy visit marks a constructive step forward in fostering cooperation between the Uganda Law Society and the Judiciary, as both institutions seek to uphold justice, equity, and the rights of citizens. By uniting efforts, the ULS and the Judiciary aim to make significant strides in tackling longstanding issues within Uganda’s legal system, paving the way for a more robust and efficient judicial infrastructure.

The Uganda Law Society, under the leadership of Mr. Ssemakadde, continues to advocate for legal reforms and initiatives that promote fairness and accountability, while Hon. Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence and efficiency remains unwavering. This visit, therefore, sets a positive tone for future engagements aimed at enhancing the legal landscape in Uganda.