A fresh legal debate has emerged in Uganda after Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde publicly challenged remarks made by newly appointed Attorney General Sam Mayanja, who described himself as the “Head of the Bar” during a recent appearance at the JSC Conversations forum.
Mayanja, while expressing gratitude for his appointment, said he had reached the pinnacle of his legal career.
He noted that serving as Attorney General placed him at the top of the profession and that he would fully dedicate himself to the role in service of the President and government.
“I am excited to serve as Attorney General. I have reached the peak of my legal career and cannot go any further—I am now Head of the Bar,” Mayanja said.
“I give it my all. I thank the President for the confidence he has placed in me. I am truly humbled, and I will do my best to ensure that my President does not regret appointing me to this position.”
However, his remarks quickly attracted criticism from within Uganda’s legal fraternity, with Ssemakadde issuing a firm correction on the structure and independence of the legal profession.
In his response, Ssemakadde stated that the Attorney General is the principal legal adviser to government and a Cabinet Minister appointed by the President, but does not hold leadership over the legal profession or the Bar.
“CORRECTION: The AG is the principal legal adviser to Government & a Cabinet Minister appointed by the President,” he stated. “The National Bar is independent & elects its own Leader. Ipso facto—you are not Head of the Bar.”
The exchange has highlighted long-standing distinctions within Uganda’s legal system between government legal offices and professional legal bodies.
The Uganda Law Society, like other bar associations, operates independently and represents practising lawyers, with its leadership determined through internal elections.
Legal observers note that while the Attorney General plays a central role in shaping government policy and legal advice, the position does not confer authority over the broader legal profession.