Newly elected Uganda Law Society (ULS) president Isaac Ssemakadde has pledged an aggressive response to the suspension of three Makerere University students. The students were suspended following their arrest for what the university labeled as an unlawful assembly—an event tied to their protest over delayed living allowances.
The suspension of the three students has sparked widespread debate and drawn scrutiny from various human rights advocates. The students in question had assembled to protest the delayed release of their living allowances, an essential lifeline for many who depend on these funds to manage their day-to-day living expenses. The administration at Makerere University responded to the protests by arresting and subsequently suspending the students, citing concerns over maintaining order and discipline on campus.
These measures, however, have been met with staunch opposition. The students have characterized their suspension as a retaliatory move aimed at suppressing their legitimate right to free assembly and protest. In response, they filed a petition with the Uganda Law Society, seeking legal redress and protection against what they argue is an unjustified and severe action by the university administration.
Isaac Semakadde, known for his vigorous legal activism and staunch defense of human rights, was elected as the president of the ULS amid high expectations from both legal practitioners and the public. In a fiery statement made during a press briefing, Ssemakadde vowed to rally significant legal support to ensure that justice is served. He promised to hire 400 lawyers to “bang Nawangwe’s table,” referencing the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who has come under fire for his handling of student protests and governance issues.
The involvement of the ULS, led by Ssemakadde, signals an escalation in what has largely been seen as a standoff between the student body and university management. By pledging substantial legal resources, Ssemakadde aims to apply pressure on the university to reevaluate its disciplinary approach and, more broadly, to foster a dialogue around students’ rights.
The ULS’s intervention will likely focus on examining whether the university’s actions were compliant with both its own regulations and broader national laws governing freedom of expression and assembly. If successful, this move could set a critical precedent for the treatment of student protests in Uganda and beyond.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has defended the university’s actions as necessary to preserve campus order. In previous statements, he emphasized the institution’s commitment to maintaining a conducive environment for learning, free from disruptions. However, critics argue that this justification overlooks the legitimate grievances of students and instead leans into repressive tactics.
