The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala has summoned Uganda Law Society (ULS) President, Isaac Ssemakadde, to appear on January 29, 2025, in response to accusations of insulting the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi issued the summons after finding a prima facie case against Ssemakadde, who faces charges of indecent assault.
The accusations stem from remarks allegedly made at a public event.
“Referring to a woman by her private body parts is a clear attempt to insult her modesty,” Mr. Kayizzi stated. He cited specific instances where Ssemakadde allegedly referred to Ms. Abodo as a “v***na from Karamoja,” a “pumpkin,” “dead wood,” and a “dimwit” during a November 18, 2024, symposium attended by media representatives.
Evidence Presented
The court relied on a letter from the Local Council Chairperson confirming that the remarks were made in her area and corroborated by the Ward Administrator’s response.
Video evidence submitted to the court also identified Ssemakadde as the speaker, a fact undisputed by his legal team during a December 4, 2024, hearing.
While Ssemakadde’s lawyers argued that the case should not proceed because Justice Abodo herself had not lodged a complaint, Magistrate Kayizzi noted that Section 42 of the Magistrates’ Court Act allows any person with reasonable cause to file a complaint, regardless of whether they are the direct victim.
Court Ruling
“The complaint complies with the requirements of the Magistrates’ Courts Act,” Mr. Kayizzi ruled.
“A prima facie case has been established under Section 115(3) of the Penal Code Act for insulting the modesty of a woman. It is fair that Mr. Ssemakadde be summoned to explain his remarks.”
The magistrate signed the charge sheet and issued criminal summons for Ssemakadde to appear and enter a plea.
Background of the Case
The summons follows a private prosecution initiated by lawyers Tonny Tumukunde and Joshua Byamazima.
The two allege that Ssemakadde made offensive statements about Ms. Abodo during a speech at a People’s Freedom Front (PFF) symposium on the state of the rule of law, constitutionalism, and human rights.
Ssemakadde’s legal team had earlier sought to dismiss the case, arguing that it was brought in bad faith and constituted an abuse of court process.
They also claimed it violated Ssemakadde’s rights to freedom of opinion and expression. However, Magistrate Kayizzi rejected these arguments, ruling that the court has jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The case will proceed as scheduled, with Ssemakadde expected to appear in court on January 29, 2025, to respond to the charges.
