KAMPALA, 22 December 2026 — In a historic and unprecedented shift, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has officially abandoned its long-standing tradition of political neutrality, issuing a formal executive order to endorse opposition candidates for the upcoming 2026 General Elections.
The directive, titled Executive Order RNB NO 6 OF 2025, was signed by ULS President Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde on December 21, 2025. Ssemakadde, acting on behalf of the “Radical New Bar” (RNB) Governing Council, characterized the move as a “necessary act of defence” for the Constitution and the independence of the legal profession.
In the executive order, the Law Society has extended its “unequivocal” support to several high-profile opposition figures and platforms:
Presidential Race: Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) is endorsed as the candidate for President of the Republic of Uganda.
Local Government: Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago is backed for continued leadership of the Kampala Capital City Authority.
Parliamentary Race: Dr. Obuku Ekwaro Anthony is endorsed for the Oyam South Constituency seat.
Broad Support: The ULS further endorsed all candidates from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) contesting at every level.
The ULS justification for this departure from tradition is rooted in what it describes as the “excessive militarisation” of civilian life and the “total capture” of state institutions—including the judiciary—by the current NRM regime.
The Executive Order claims that neutrality in the face of systematic assaults on constitutionalism would be a betrayal of the Society’s mandate. The order calls for a “total political reset” that includes:
- The complete demilitarisation of civilian affairs.
- An end to abductions and “sham trials”.
- The establishment of a government truly accountable under the 1995 Constitution.
The ULS has mobilized its resources and members to actively participate in the electoral contest. Lawyers, law students, and civil society organizations are urged to educate the public on the importance of the 2026 elections.
In a specific directive to safeguard the vote, the Society instructed supporters to “vote and remain within the vicinity (20 meters distance)” of polling stations to monitor the counting process and protect the interests of endorsed candidates.
The order is set to remain in effect until the conclusion of the 2026 General Elections, scheduled for January 15, 2026.
