Summary:
- In a statement released on Sunday following an urgent e-meeting, Ssemakadde accused Munaabi of unauthorized actions, claiming he collaborated with Turyamusiima to undermine his presidency.
KAMPALA: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has suspended its Secretary General, Phillip Munaabi, and council member Geoffrey Turyamusiima with immediate effect over allegations of attempting to overthrow the leadership of President Isaac Ssemakadde and Vice President Anthony Asiimwe.
In a statement released on Sunday following an urgent e-meeting, Ssemakadde accused Munaabi of unauthorized actions, claiming he collaborated with Turyamusiima to undermine his presidency.
The meeting, attended by key council members, including Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, Treasurer Arthur Isiko, and regional representatives Eddie Nangulu (Eastern), Samuel Muhumuza (Western), and Emmanuel Egaru (Northern), addressed allegations that Munaabi and Turyamusiima had disseminated two unauthorized documents.
These documents, widely circulated on social media on Saturday evening, were purportedly signed by Munaabi.
“The documents have been confirmed as the unauthorized work of two Council members: Phillip Munaabi and Geoffrey Turyamusiima (hereinafter referred to as ‘the minority’),” Ssemakadde stated
He emphasized that the majority of council members, including himself, the Vice President, Treasurer, and regional representatives, had no involvement in creating or circulating the documents.
“For absolute clarity and avoidance of doubt, the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Council Members representing the Northern, Western, and Eastern regions (constituting the majority of Council) categorically repudiate the above-mentioned documents, confirming they were neither consulted nor involved in their creation or dissemination,” Ssemakadde added.
Subversive Conduct Allegations:
The council expressed grave concerns over what it described as a pattern of subversive behavior by Munaabi and Turyamusiima. This included unauthorized disclosures of confidential information, fraudulent use of a council member’s signature, deliberate absenteeism from council meetings, and attempts to tarnish the Society’s reputation by portraying it as dysfunctional.
Consequently, the council resolved to suspend Munaabi and Turyamusiima immediately. Their possible permanent removal will be determined during the ULS General Meeting on December 17, 2024.
“In response to these actions, the Council, by majority decision, suspended Munaabi and Turyamusiima with immediate effect,” Ssemakadde said.
Interim Secretary Appointed:
In the interim, the council has appointed Eddie Nangulu as Secretary General to replace Munaabi. A permanent decision regarding the position is expected at the upcoming General Meeting.
Legal and Institutional Implications:
Legal analysts warn that the ongoing conflict could escalate into a prolonged legal battle, deepening divisions within the ULS and potentially damaging its credibility. This turmoil risks undermining the Society’s public image and its relationships with donors and partners critical to its legal aid programs.
