The Kampala High Court has delivered a verdict that challenges the Uganda Law Society’s (ULS) existing practice of appointing representatives to statutory bodies without member elections. The judgment, delivered by Justice Boniface Wamala, signifies a pivotal moment in ensuring democratic processes within the legal fraternity.
The legal challenge, spearheaded by Counsel Stephen Kalali, contested the ULS executive’s practice of unilaterally selecting representatives for governmental bodies, citing violations of the Uganda Law Society Act and Elections Regulations. Justice Wamala concurred, issuing a permanent injunction restraining the ULS Council from further breaches of the law regarding the election of society representatives.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Counsel Kalali swiftly reached out to the Chairwoman of the Makerere University Council, Lorna Magara, urging the university to disregard the candidate previously nominated by the ULS Council. Kalali emphasized the illegality of the nomination and urged the university to nullify it, insisting on the selection of a representative legitimately elected by ULS members.
Furthermore, Kalali issued a statement calling on other entities with appointed ULS representatives to dismiss them promptly in compliance with the court’s ruling. His statement shed light on ongoing issues within the ULS, including the lack of transparency in the nomination process and the absence of feedback mechanisms for representatives’ actions.
Kalali’s efforts underscore the importance of upholding democratic principles within the ULS, ensuring that representatives are directly chosen by and accountable to the society’s members. He emphasized the need for current representatives to resign honorably to pave the way for a legal election process that promotes transparency and inclusivity.
The court’s verdict represents a victory for democracy within the ULS and serves as a catalyst for meaningful reform within the legal profession. As the legal fraternity navigates this pivotal moment, there is renewed hope for a more transparent and accountable system of representation that upholds the principles of democracy and fairness.
