Uganda Law Society President Condemns Media Witch Hunt while urging lawyers to uphold justice

The President of the Uganda Law Society, Isaac Semakadde, has called on lawyers to uphold the principles of natural justice, dignity and fairness, while condemning what he described as the persecution of African professionals in historically white-dominated institutions.

Semakadde, who represented the President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, also paid tribute to colleagues who had died, particularly the late Professor Jason Arday.

Speaking at the conference, Semakadde expressed appreciation to the NBA leadership for providing the opportunity for the Commonwealth Lawyers Association to participate in the event.

He implored the association to observed a moment of silence in honour of departed colleagues, while using the occasion to reflect on the circumstances surrounding the death of Arday, whose passing he said had been presumed to be suicide.

According to him, the late academic had experienced intense work-related pressure and what he described as a sustained media campaign questioning his competence, academic credentials and professional achievements.

Semakadde alleged that doubts were raised about Arday's qualifications shortly after his appointment to a senior academic position at the University of Cambridge, including public accusations concerning his PhD.

He said that although the university that awarded the doctorate cleared him, scrutiny of his background and professional record continued.

The Uganda Law Society president said the continued media attention eventually contributed to Arday's resignation, but alleged that the scrutiny did not end after he left his position.

He described the situation as a “media witch hunt”, arguing that professionals of African origin working in historically white-dominated institutions had repeatedly faced similar experiences.

Semakadde said the incident reinforced the need for lawyers to defend the principles of natural justice, insisting that anyone accused of wrongdoing must be properly informed of the allegations against them and given an opportunity to respond.

“Any person suspected of any wrongdoing must have the right to be clearly informed of the case against them and be accorded dignity on the basis of all the evidence available,” he said.

He further argued that allegations should be handled by competent authorities and that issues outside a person's professional field should not be used to determine their competence or reputation in another area.
Semakadde said the experience of Arday demonstrated the challenges faced by Africans who occupy positions within institutions where some people believe they do not belong.

He also linked the issue to the experience of former Liberian President and football icon George Weah, who was a keynote guest at the conference, noting the importance of individuals overcoming barriers and exceeding expectations.

The Ugandan lawyer urged members of the legal profession to remain committed to fairness and justice, regardless of the circumstances surrounding a case.

He extended condolences to Arday's family, friends and colleagues, while urging people to protect their mental and emotional well-being in the face of hostility and opposition.

“There will always be enemies,” Semakadde said, urging lawyers and other professionals to guard their hearts and minds while continuing to pursue justice and uphold human dignity.