The Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road has issued criminal summons requiring Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde to appear on January 29, 2025, to answer charges related to insulting the modesty of Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The summons followed a private prosecution application filed by advocates Joshua Byamazima and Tonny Tumukunde under Section 42(1)(c) and (3) of the Magistrates Courts Act. The complainants accuse Ssemakadde of indecent assault under Section 115(3) of the Penal Code Act. Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi ruled that sufficient evidence had been presented to proceed with the case.
“This honorable court finds a prima facie case against Mr. Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde for the offence of insulting the modesty of a woman,” Magistrate Kayizzi stated.
The complainants allege that Ssemakadde made derogatory remarks about Justice Abodo during a symposium organized by the People’s Freedom Front (PFF) on November 18, 2024, in Kampala. Among the statements cited were:
- “All these things like your particular kerfuffle is then given legal dressing by this vagina from Karamoja.”
- Referring to Justice Abodo as “a pumpkin for a DPP” and “dead wood.”
A flash disk containing video evidence was submitted in court.
Ssemakadde, through GEM Advocates, has sought dismissal of the charges, claiming the complaint is without merit and violates his right to free expression. He further argues that the alleged offence requires testimony from Justice Abodo herself, who has not been engaged in the case.