The President of the Uganda Law Society, lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde, has defended his controversial Executive Order directing the Law Society to endorse the NUP presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.

The Executive Order, RNB 6 of 2025, titled “Departure from the tradition of political neutrality and official endorsement of a candidate for the 2026 general election in defence of the rule of law,” also urges support for Elias Lukwago for Kampala Lord Mayor and all NUP and PFF candidates.

Ssemakadde explained that the departure from the traditional political neutrality of the Uganda Law Society was prompted by widespread repression, erosion of judicial independence, militarization of civil and political life, entrenched corruption, and institutional capture—including the judiciary.

The order has sparked controversy among the public and senior legal professionals, with many arguing that the Law Society should remain neutral.

Ssemakadde, however, maintained that lawyers and judges are citizens entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association, and assembly.

He stressed that, unlike judges, lawyers are not legally bound to remain impartial in political matters.

The Radica New Bar (RNB) recently hosted an X-space debate titled “Executive Order RNB 6 of 2025: To Endorse or Not to Endorse?” where Ssemakadde was expected to debate Professor Frederick Ssempebwa, Chairperson of the Senior Counsel Bar; however, Professor Ssempebwa did not attend.

In defending the endorsement, Ssemakadde framed his stance as a defense of both professional integrity and citizens’ rights to participate in political life.

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