Court asked to issue arrest warrant for Ssemakadde
Uganda Law Society (ULS) president, Mr Isaac Ssemakadde
What you need to know:
- Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi had previously issued criminal summons against Ssemakadde, requiring him to appear in court to answer charges of insulting the modesty of a woman
The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court has been asked to issue an arrest warrant against Uganda Law Society President, Isaac Ssemakadde, after he failed to appear in court to face charges of indecently assaulting Director of Public Prosecutions, Justice Jane Frances Abodo.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi had previously issued criminal summons against Ssemakadde, requiring him to appear in court to answer charges of insulting the modesty of a woman, contrary to Section 115 (3) of the Penal Code Act. However, Ssemakadde did not show up, prompting lawyers Tonny Tumukunde and Joshua Byamazima to seek a warrant for his arrest.
The two lawyers, who filed a complaint by way of private prosecution against Ssemakadde, argued that the Uganda Law Society President's absence in court was a deliberate attempt to frustrate the judicial process. They urged the Chief Magistrate to issue a warrant of arrest to ensure that Ssemakadde faces justice.
However, Ssemakadde's lawyers, led by Derrick Bazekuketta, objected to the issuance of an arrest warrant, arguing that their client is effectively present in court through their representation.
The case has been adjourned to February 10, when the Chief Magistrate will deliver his ruling on whether to issue a warrant of arrest or not. Ssemakadde is accused of insulting the modesty of a woman, contrary to Section 115 (3) of the Penal Code Act, after referring to Justice Abodo as a "vagina from Karamoja" and a "pumpkin" during a public gathering.
"Anyone who refers to a woman by her private body parts intends to insult her modesty," Chief Magistrate Kayizzi said. "Anyone who refers to a woman as 'Vagina from Karamoja... a pumpkin... dead wood... a dimwit' at a public gathering well aware that there is media presence knows that the said woman will definitely hear those words said against her. The intention is most likely to insult her modesty."
The alleged incident occurred on November 18, 2024, during a symposium on the state of the Rule of Law, Constitutionalism, and Human Rights, organized by the People's Freedom Front (PFF) at Katonga Road in Kampala Central, Kampala District.
