By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Uganda Law Society President has responded to an international arrest warrant issued against him on March 19, 2025.
The warrant issued by Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi of Buganda Road Court is ordering Interpol to apprehend Isaac Ssemakadde and bring him to Kampala by April 16, 2025.
Ssemakadde is wanted to face charges of insulting the modesty of a woman—specifically, Uganda’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo.
This stems from a private prosecution by lawyers; Tony Tumukunde and Joshua Byamazima who allege that Ssemakadde made obscene remarks about Abodo during a November 18, 2024, symposium.
The charge falls under Section 115(3) of Uganda’s Penal Code Act, tied to a two-year contempt of court sentence Ssemakadde received earlier, after which he reportedly went into hiding.
For an Interpol Red Notice to be justified, Interpol’s criteria require a serious crime with a minimum penalty of two years imprisonment, a valid national arrest warrant, and evidence the suspect is a fugitive likely outside the requesting country’s jurisdiction.
Ssemakadde’s case ticks some boxes, there’s a warrant, the contempt sentence meets the penalty threshold, and his whereabouts are unknown, suggesting he’s fled.
In response, the fugitive Ssemakadde said he is challenging all arrest warrants issued against him because they are unjustified and are politically motivated.
Ssemakadde argues that there is a pending petition at the High Court seeking cancellation of orders given by Buganda Chief Magistrate’s Court in Criminal Case No. 913 of 2024.
He says that since the Buganda Chief Magistrate’s Court is aware of the revision proceedings at the High court, the Arrest Warrant issued on 19th March, 2025 is unwarranted.
“This violates my right to freedom of expression, freedom of movement and international law standards for issuing warrants,” he says.
