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The disagreement escalated as the Law Society announced a boycott of a significant annual judiciary event, citing it as a protest against perceived infringements on their rights and autonomy by the judiciary.
The ULS, in a Wednesday statement, expressed their intention to abstain from participating in the "Opening of the Law Year," a critical event in the Judiciary's annual calendar scheduled for this Saturday, February 10th, at the Kampala High Court.
They criticized the judiciary's invitation to the event amidst actions they view as limiting their freedom, stating, "It is hypocritical, disingenuous, and cynical to gather with those that block our gatherings!!!"
The root of the lawyers' frustration lies in a controversial injunction by the High Court, which postponed an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) intended to address concerns about judicial independence.
The Law Society condemned the court's decision, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to association, assembly, and expression.
They criticized the injunction for being excessively broad and disregarding the ULS Act, challenging it as an unfounded interference with legal precedents that protect public entities from undue influence without proof of illegal activities.
Members of the ULS underscored the critical role of bar associations in participating in discussions about law and justice administration, a principle supported by international norms.
They contested the judiciary's implication that lawyers' meetings require judicial approval, urging leadership to challenge and seek the removal of the court's decision.
In a concluding warning to the judiciary and those attempting to silence ULS members' gatherings, the lawyers highlighted the historical failure of censorship efforts, stating, "Censors are always resoundingly defeated in the course of history. This manifestly unconstitutional and illegal injunction will also go down that route."