GEM Advocates defend Lawyer Ssemakadde against police summons, issue tough response

Today, GEM Advocates, legal representatives led by Bazekuketta Derrick for Advocate Isaac Ssemakadde, have issued a formal response to the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) of Kampala Metropolitan Police regarding a summons for their client’s appearance about a case of alleged criminal libel.

The letter, dated February 26, 2024, addressed to D/ACP Kagarura H. Bob, contests the summons on several grounds. Firstly, it highlights that Advocate Isaac Ssemakadde had previously reported to the police for the same purpose on February 28, 2022, under CID HQTRS GEF 136/2022. Additionally, the allegations in question were endorsed in a charge and summons issued by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court, requiring Ssemakadde’s attendance before the presiding magistrate on March 4, 2022.

Moreover, the letter points out that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had notified the court of their intention to take over the private prosecution, which was eventually endorsed by the court on July 31, 2023. Since then, Ssemakadde has been regularly attending court sessions, seeking a hearing date for his formal application to dismiss the charges. The case was last mentioned on February 22, 2024, and adjourned to March 25, 2024, for further management.

GEM Advocates argue that the police summons for case conferencing and fact-finding constitute an extrajudicial inquiry, potentially violating the Sub Judice Rule and Ssemakadde’s rights under Article 28(3)(a) as interpreted by the Constitutional Court. The letter asserts that their client is under no obligation to comply with the summons, urging the police to attend the court proceedings scheduled for March 25.

This response underscores the legal complexities surrounding the case and sets the stage for potential legal deliberations in the near future.

For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Whisper Eye News.