Kampala, Uganda — The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has today hosted the inaugural Sam Kalega Njuba Memorial Lecture, a landmark event honoring the late former ULS President and revered legal mind, Sam Njuba, for his enduring contributions to justice, reform, and nation-building.
Held under the theme of radical legacy and reformist courage, the lecture served not only as a tribute to Njuba’s life and work but also as a reflection on the state of rule of law and political leadership in Uganda today.
“A Radical Reformer, Not a Destroyer”
ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, currently living in exile, delivered virtual welcome remarks from an undisclosed location. Reflecting on Njuba’s lasting influence, he said:
“We chose Sam Kalega Njuba because he embodied the courage and conviction of a radical, not as a destroyer, but as a reformer. He stood as a role model, a master, an anchor, and a source of motivation. His enduring legacy, particularly through his book ‘The Betrayal’, continues to guide us.”
Tributes from Across the Spectrum
The ceremony opened with powerful readings from The Betrayal, Njuba’s autobiographical work that chronicles his legal and political journey. Representing the President of Uganda, Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka praised Njuba’s legacy and lauded ULS for initiating the Sam Njuba Memorial Fund, emphasizing its potential to nurture future legal reformers.
In the President’s message, citizens were encouraged to exercise their democratic power through voting, while government programs such as GROW, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM) were highlighted as key tools for economic empowerment.
Reflecting on Radicalism, Law, and Leadership
Keynote speaker Hon. Justice Egonda Ntende delivered a deep constitutional reflection on the role of ULS in upholding democracy and legal integrity, asserting that Njuba’s approach to law was both intellectual and human-centered.
ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe reiterated that the annual lecture will serve as a platform to honor radical but principled leadership, echoing the spirit of Njuba’s time at the helm of the Society from 1978 to 1979.
Veteran politician Can. Rukakaire, a long-time friend and colleague of Njuba, shared personal anecdotes, describing him as “a great mind, trustworthy, and deeply compassionate.”
A Call to Conscience
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago used the occasion to raise poignant questions about the current state of political freedom in Uganda:
“Today, our Law Society President, Isaac Ssemakadde, is a fugitive in exile. You saw him yesterday—holding his innocent baby, not even a year old, during the General Meeting. What have you done, as Attorney General, to protect leaders like him?”
Gertrude Njuba: A Call for African Unity
Closing the ceremony, Gertrude Njuba, veteran politician and widow to the late icon, delivered a message on Pan-Africanism and self-determination:
“As Africans, we must stop destroying ourselves like nsenene trapped in a kaveera—while our tormentors, the former colonial powers, stand by watching, laughing, and waiting to finish us off. We need unity and love for one another, even when we belong to different political camps. It’s time to come together and protect our continent.”
A Lasting Legacy Begins
The Uganda Law Society also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Njuba family, formally launching the Sam Kalega Njuba Memorial Fund—a lasting initiative to support legal education, mentorship, and advocacy rooted in justice and integrity.
The event was graced by numerous dignitaries, including Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister General Kahinda Otafiire, and the Lord Mayor of Kampala, further cementing the late Sam Njuba’s position as a national figure whose ideals continue to resonate with generations.
The Sam Njuba Memorial Lecture will now be an annual fixture on the ULS calendar, aimed at fostering critical discourse, celebrating reformist leadership, and inspiring the legal profession to uphold justice and truth in the spirit of one of its most distinguished members.
