In a move that has shocked many Ugandans, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has openly declared support for opposition candidates ahead of the 2026 general elections. For decades, the ULS maintained political neutrality as a professional body representing lawyers across the country. However, this long-standing tradition has now been broken, with the society saying the situation in Uganda has reached a dangerous point where silence is no longer acceptable.
The decision was announced through an executive order signed by ULS President Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde on December 21, 2025. In the document, the society says Uganda is facing an “existential threat” to the rule of law under the current National Resistance Movement (NRM) government led by President Yoweri Museveni. According to the ULS, remaining neutral in such circumstances would mean becoming complicit in the destruction of justice and constitutional governance.
The executive order strongly criticizes the government for excessive militarization of politics, widespread corruption, and the capture of key state institutions, including the judiciary. It accuses security forces of being used to silence dissent through abductions, torture, extrajudicial killings, and the illegal trial of civilians in military courts. The document argues that these actions have created fear in society and weakened public trust in the law.
ULS also raises serious concerns about the state of the judiciary. It claims that courts have been undermined through political pressure, unfair judicial appointments, manipulated rulings, and secret postings of judges. According to the society, this has turned the judiciary into a tool of repression rather than an independent institution meant to protect citizens’ rights.
Citing these “extraordinary circumstances,” the ULS has officially endorsed several opposition figures and political groups. These include National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, as a presidential candidate for 2026. The society has also endorsed Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago, Dr. Obuku Ekwaro Anthony for Oyam South, and all candidates from NUP and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) at all levels. In addition, ULS has pledged support to lawyers and law students who are standing for elective office.
The society says these candidates represent a credible path toward restoring constitutional order, accountable governance, economic justice, and youth empowerment. It calls for a “total political reset,” including removing the military from civilian affairs, freeing captured institutions, and ending abductions and unlawful trials, all in line with Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.
ULS has urged its members, law students, civil society groups, and patriotic Ugandans to actively support the endorsed candidates. It has also promised to use its legal resources to educate the public about the importance of the 2026 elections. Notably, the order advises voters to remain near polling stations after voting to help protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Reactions to the announcement have been sharply divided. Opposition supporters have praised the ULS for taking a courageous stand, while government supporters argue that the society has overstepped its mandate. As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 elections, this bold decision by the Uganda Law Society is likely to influence political debate and energize opposition forces, making the coming electoral period one of the most intense in the country’s history.
