Court Finally Offers Solution to Ssemakadde to Avoid Arrest After He Failed to Honour the Summon

The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde one last opportunity to appear and take a plea, warning that failure to do so will result in his arrest.

Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi issued the final summons on February 10, citing fairness after Ssemakadde’s lawyers claimed he had a bad cough on January 31, the day he was supposed to appear. The court expects him to show up on February 24 without fail.

"I decline to issue a warrant of arrest as prayed for by the private prosecutors. However, if the accused fails to appear on February 24, this court will have no alternative but to issue a warrant of arrest," Mr. Kayizzi ruled.

Ssemakadde, who is also the president of the Uganda Law Society, faces indecent assault charges privately instituted by fellow lawyers. He allegedly insulted Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo.

On January 17, the court sanctioned charges and issued criminal summons for Ssemakadde to appear on January 31. However, he did not appear in person, prompting private prosecutors to seek his arrest.

His lawyers, led by Derrick Bazzekuketta, argued against the warrant, citing his constitutional right to be represented by counsel.

Despite ongoing legal challenges, the magistrate ruled that unless the High Court officially stays the case, proceedings will continue as scheduled.

All eyes are now on February 24 to see whether Ssemakadde will honor the court’s directive.