A leadership rift within the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has surfaced on social media, with newly elected President Isaac Ssemakadde criticising his predecessor, Bernard Oundo, over financial accountability concerns.
In a heated exchange on X (formerly Twitter), Ssemakadde responded to Oundo's defence of his administration's financial report, calling it insufficient and stating that a forensic audit was unavoidable.
Oundo, in an earlier clarification, rejected claims that ULS members had called for a forensic audit, though he welcomed the move as a show of transparency.
"There is no resolution by the ULS membership for a forensic audit. Nevertheless, I can tell you that we welcome a forensic audit. There is nothing to hide. It is part of accountability," Oundo stated.
He stressed that ULS regularly prepares an annual report of its activities, which serves as a handover document for the new leadership.
"This report was presented to the membership, discussed, and adopted during its AGM," he added.
Oundo also noted that ULS policy requires him to serve on the ULS council for six months as the immediate past president to assist the incoming council.
However, he mentioned that he has not yet been invited to any council meetings. "I will attend once I am invited," Oundo said.
Oundo urged the new leadership to focus on delivering their mandate, warning against personal conflicts. "The ULS should not be used to settle personal scores," he cautioned.
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Ssemakade, however, fired back, insisting that Oundo's financial report lacked critical details, comparing it un favourably to that of his own predecessor, Pheona Wall. He accused Oundo of not providing adequate accountability.
"Moreover, the latter was found wanting in material particulars, and it was resolved that you should be summoned to answer further accountability queries at an Extraordinary General Meeting called for in 'TWO WEEKS,'" Ssemakadde responded.
Additionally, Ssemakadde dismissed Oundo's claim of a six-month transition period, calling it unfounded.
"There is no ULS policy requiring outgoing Suck-Ups, Goody Goodies & People-Pleasers to 'sit on ULS council for six months to support the incoming council.' Absolute mafia crap," Ssemakadde asserted, emphasising that his administration aims to restore independence within the legal profession.
He further urged Oundo to focus on resolving the accountability concerns raised by ULS members and warned that his leadership would not tolerate any signs of corruption.
"Our #RNB governing council shall not shy away from using all lawful measures to expose, combat & eradicate corruption & misuse or abuse of power, including breach of trust by any dimwits, rotten tomatoes & deadwood," Ssemakadde stated.
The public feud has attracted significant attention within Uganda's legal community, with an Extraordinary General Meeting expected to further address the financial accountability questions.
As tensions mount, Ssemakadde continues to push his "Radical New Bar" agenda, setting the stage for a significant shift in ULS governance.
