The Uganda Law Society (ULS) President, Advocate Isaac Ssemakadde, has petitioned President Yoweri Museveni demanding the removal of Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, accusing him of corruption, abuse of office, and undermining the judiciary.
In a seven-page letter dated January 12, 2025, addressed to President Museveni, Ssemakadde detailed a series of alleged illegalities committed by Kiryowa, warning that his continued stay in office threatens Uganda’s legal system.
“Your Excellency, I write to you pursuant to Sections 3(d), 3(e), and 3(i) of the Uganda Law Society Act, Cap. 305, which entrusts the Uganda Law Society (ULS) with the solemn duty to protect the public in all matters of law, assist the Government and Courts in legislative and legal administration, and undertake all actions necessary to uphold these objectives,” reads in part
He further reminded Mr. Museveni of the Attorney General’s constitutional duties, which he claims Kiryowa has blatantly disregarded.
“Your Excellency, the ULS is gravely concerned about the systematic erosion of our constitutional democracy, a crisis fuelled by the reckless conduct of the current Attorney General. The Office of the Attorney General is not a mere political appointment; it is the bedrock of our legal system, the guardian of public interest, and the custodian of the rule of law. Yet, under Mr. Kiryowa Kiwanuka Nsumikambi Mugambe, this sacred institution has been reduced to a mere vessel for impunity, deceit, and legal mischief.
“It is, therefore, with a deep sense of duty and urgency that I bring to Your Excellency’s attention a litany of egregious transgressions committed by Mr. Kiryowa—actions so brazen that they have not only corroded the integrity of our legal order but continue to imperil the very foundation of justice in Uganda. For the sake of our nation’s constitutional sanctity, his immediate removal is not just warranted; it is imperative,” Ssemakadde adds.
The Legal Rebel also recalls the ULS’s action against Kiryowa on October 14, 2024, under Article 274 of the Constitution, expelling him, the Solicitor General, and their representatives from the ULS Governing Council. An investigation into Kiryowa’s conduct followed, escalating tensions between the two figures.
The petition highlights Kiryowa’s alleged interference in the 2024 ULS elections, accusing him of corruption and abusing his office to manipulate the process. “He misappropriated Shs1.2 billion of public funds to influence the 2024 Uganda Law Society elections. He paid a bribe of Shs200 million to one of the presidential candidates to withdraw from the race.”
Ssemakadde further accuses Kiryowa of orchestrating corruption within the Departed Asians Property Custodian Board (DAPCB), causing a financial loss of approximately Shs100 trillion, claiming that the accused signed fraudulent consent judgments and facilitated the illegal acquisition of over 300 properties across Uganda
Your Excellency, the Attorney General has wilfully compromised the integrity of his office by entangling it with his private legal practice, creating an unchecked web of influence peddling and self-dealing. The evidence is clear; he continued to represent private clients while serving as Attorney General, formed a syndicate of advocates to secure lucrative government contracts, and violated the Constitution’s principles of separation of powers and accountability.”
Ssemakadde goes on to accuse Kiryowa of undermining judicial independence by threatening judicial officers and manipulating case assignments to favour his interests. He also claims Kiryowa intervened in a high-profile South Sudan criminal case, facilitating a prisoner’s escape in exchange for a USD 1 million bribe.
Other serious allegations include Kiryowa’s efforts to monopolise government legal work, stripping local governments and parastatals of the authority to procure legal services.
The RNB President therefore called upon President Museveni to take immediate action, recommending an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Directorate, the Inspector General of Government, and a review of all judgements consented to during Kiryowa’s tenure.
While it remains uncertain whether President Museveni will act on these claims, Ssemakadde stresses that swift action is crucial to restore integrity to Uganda’s legal system and prevent further damage to national institutions.
