The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has announced a bold and public decision to boycott the Chief Justice’s Thanksgiving Party scheduled for 12th July 2025 in Patongo. This decision, led by the Radical New Bar, comes as a response to what they describe as serious and ongoing actions that threaten the independence of Uganda’s Judiciary and the rule of law.
According to a strongly worded letter addressed to Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, the ULS accuses the Judiciary’s top leadership of unfairly interfering in important court matters. The letter specifically refers to the Deputy Chief Justice’s decision to remove four critical appeals from the court’s hearing list scheduled for 10th July 2025. These appeals are seen as vital to the internal functions of the Uganda Law Society, including its general meetings and elections. By removing these cases from the court schedule, the ULS believes the Judiciary is undermining its rights and shielding its President from judicial harassment.
The ULS also raised concerns about the actions of the court Registrar, who communicated the decisions to de-causelist the cases without clear legal reasons. They pointed to a past legal precedent, Security Group vs. Marie Stopes, which ruled that court conferencing is not required before hearing an appeal. However, the Deputy Chief Justice has reportedly ignored this precedent, prompting worries about the lack of transparency and accountability within the Judiciary.
Adding to the tension, the ULS highlighted what they described as a suspicious third attempt at mediation, led by the Deputy Chief Justice himself. This follows two earlier failed mediation attempts and appears to be a tactic to delay justice. The ULS believes this process serves the interests of powerful individuals who want to avoid facing the law.
The letter also criticizes a public statement made by the Chief Justice in February 2025, where he reportedly threatened the ULS and its President with “consequences” and spoke of denying access to the courts. The ULS sees this as a clear attack on justice and judicial fairness. Hosting the President of Uganda at a private party in the Chief Justice’s hometown, at a time when general elections are about to begin, further fuels concerns about the Judiciary’s independence and possible political bias.
As a result of all these issues, the Uganda Law Society has declared it will not attend the Thanksgiving Party unless the appeals are immediately returned to the court schedule. They warn that failure to do so will damage public trust in the Judiciary and hurt the democratic values Uganda stands for.
The ULS has made it clear that it is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the country’s democratic institutions. They are calling on the Chief Justice to act swiftly and restore the appeals without delay, so that justice can be seen to be done.
