The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has concluded its Annual Rule of Law Week 2026 with the second Sam Kalega Njuba, SC Memorial Lecture, honouring the late former ULS president and his commitment to justice and constitutional order.
The lecture, held on Thursday at ULS House in Kololo, brought together lawyers, politicians, civil society actors and members of the public, both physically and online, for discussions on the state of the rule of law in Uganda and the unfinished work left by Njuba.
Delivering the keynote address remotely, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said the true test of the rule of law comes when following the law becomes difficult.
He said court orders must be respected as expressions of the authority of the law, while public office should be treated as a public trust for which leaders must be accountable.
Ssemujju also said the rule of law should be reflected in the daily lives of ordinary citizens, including access to education, health services and other government services.
ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, SC, said the memorial lecture was not simply about remembering Njuba but also about examining the values he stood for, the struggles he faced and the unfinished work he left behind.
Ssemakadde said constitutionalism requires government to remain subject to the law and institutions to operate independently. He added that the struggle for justice and constitutionalism remains an ongoing responsibility that extends beyond Uganda’s borders.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, president of the Alliance for National Transformation, described Njuba as a principled lawyer who viewed the profession as a calling and a means of serving justice rather than pursuing wealth or status.
Muntu also recalled how Njuba later walked away from power because he was unwilling to compromise his principles.
Former Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Dr. Miria Matembe, said Njuba faced persecution and suffering in the service of the country. She noted that they both endured suffering because of their opposition to the government of the day.
Matembe warned that the 1995 Constitution had been severely weakened, putting at risk some of the principles that they had fought to establish and preserve.
Remarks prepared by Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and delivered on his behalf by David Rubongoya focused on the importance of making the Constitution meaningful in the lives of citizens.
Chief Guest, Rtd. Hon. Justice Esther Kitimbo Kisaakye, addressed participants under the theme “The Choices We Make.”
Other contributors included Hon. Asuman Kiyingi, who highlighted the pioneering role of Njuba’s daughter, Norah, as Makerere University’s first female guild president, as well as Hon. Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde and Hon. Dr. Bayigga Lulume.
The lecture highlighted Njuba’s legacy as a reformer who placed principle above power and challenged Ugandans to defend the rule of law as a lived reality that protects the rights and dignity of every citizen.
