By Mulengera Reporters
Lawyer Robert Rutaro Muhairwe is emerging as a notable contender for the position of Secretary of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), bringing with him a reputation for courtroom activism, institutional reform and outspoken views on matters affecting the legal profession and the country at large.
Rutaro, a former Makerere University Guild President and former President of the Makerere Law Society, is presenting himself as an independent-minded advocate with a record of challenging authority, defending legal principles and engaging in some of the most contentious debates within Uganda’s legal and political space.
His emergence comes at a time when the Uganda Law Society has experienced intense internal contestation, particularly following the election of human-rights lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde as ULS President.
From adversary to ally
Perhaps the most striking chapter in Rutaro’s recent journey is his relationship with Ssemakadde.
The two lawyers were previously on opposing sides of legal and institutional disputes within the Uganda Law Society. Rutaro at one point challenged decisions associated with Ssemakadde’s leadership, putting himself among the lawyers openly questioning the direction of the Society.
But the relationship later took a dramatic turn.
Rutaro subsequently called for reconciliation within the legal profession, arguing that continued internal fighting would weaken the very institution lawyers were seeking to defend.
He went on to support efforts aimed at bringing together lawyers who had been divided by the leadership disputes, including members of the breakaway Uganda Bar Association faction.
His decision to dissolve the faction and encourage lawyers to return to a common platform marked a significant shift—from confrontation to reconciliation.
It also placed Rutaro increasingly alongside Ssemakadde and those advocating what they describe as a new direction for Uganda’s legal profession.
A lawyer known for challenging authority
Rutaro’s political history has helped shape his public image.
He has consistently described himself as an independent-minded figure who has opposed policies and decisions of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) when he believes they conflict with constitutionalism and good governance.
He has been particularly vocal about constitutional changes that removed presidential term limits and later the presidential age limit.
According to his own account, his opposition to the removal of the age limit resulted in his arrest and detention at Wandegeya Police Station.
He has also recounted his disagreements with senior NRM officials during his time working at the party secretariat, saying his outspoken criticism of party decisions eventually cost him his position.
Rutaro has previously stated that he even considered challenging President Yoweri Museveni for the chairmanship of the NRM because he believed the President had lost direction in leadership.
These experiences have contributed to his reputation as a lawyer who is prepared to confront political and institutional authority.
From student leader to senior advocate
Rutaro’s career extends beyond political activism.
He holds a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University and legal training qualifications from the Law Development Centre.
After being enrolled as an advocate in 2019, he worked with Magna Advocates and Musangala Advocates & Solicitors before establishing Elgon Advocates with colleagues in 2021.
He currently serves as Senior Partner at the firm.
Rutaro is also an experienced law lecturer, having taught at institutions including Uganda Christian University, Kampala International University, Cavendish University, UTAMU University and the Institute of Petroleum Studies Kampala.
His academic and professional background has placed him in contact with both young lawyers entering the profession and experienced practitioners.
The mediator in a divided profession
Rutaro’s supporters point to his role in attempting to mediate the disagreements that had engulfed the Uganda Law Society.
At the height of the internal disputes, he initiated a private mediation process intended to bring the competing sides together and resolve outstanding court cases.
The initiative brought together eminent legal personalities, including former Chief Justice Bart Katureebe, former Principal Judge James Ogoola, retired Justice Remmy Kasule, Senior Counsel Francis Gimara and Professor Fredrick Ssempebwa.
The mediation process was intended to move the profession away from prolonged courtroom battles and towards dialogue and reconciliation.
For Rutaro, the initiative has become part of a broader argument that lawyers can disagree strongly on principle without destroying the institutions through which they serve the public.
The ‘rebel’ who chose reconciliation
Rutaro’s history has earned him the description of a “rebel” within political and legal circles, largely because of his willingness to challenge established authorities.
But his more recent actions point towards a different approach.
Rather than continuing the internal battles that divided sections of the profession, Rutaro has advocated reconciliation and cooperation.
His transformation from an opponent of Ssemakadde’s leadership to an ally of the ULS President is therefore one of the defining features of his current campaign.
For his supporters, it demonstrates that his ultimate commitment is not to personalities or factions but to the institution of the Bar.
A courtroom lawyer in the election trenches
Rutaro remains active in high-profile election-related litigation.
He is currently involved in election petition matters, including representing NUP Chairman Nyanzi Sentamu against NRM’s Madina Nsereko, as well as representing independent candidate Jet Tumwebaze against NRM’s Sodo Aine Kaguta.
The cases have further kept Rutaro in the public eye as Uganda heads towards another politically significant period.
His campaign for ULS Secretary therefore comes with both courtroom experience and a history of political engagement.
What Rutaro is bringing to the race
Rutaro’s candidacy is built around a combination of professional experience, institutional activism and his stated commitment to an independent legal profession.
His supporters see his experience in litigation, academia, student leadership, mediation and professional politics as assets for the Secretary’s office.
The position has been occupied in an acting capacity by Advocate Ssali Babu, making the coming contest an important moment for the administrative leadership of the Uganda Law Society.
For Rutaro, the campaign is an opportunity to present himself not merely as another candidate for an office, but as a lawyer who has lived through the conflicts currently confronting the profession.
His journey—from student leader, to political dissenter, to courtroom advocate, to factional opponent, and ultimately to a voice for reconciliation—could make his bid one of the more closely watched campaigns in the Uganda Law Society.
As the contest unfolds, Rutaro is seeking to persuade fellow advocates that the same lawyer who once fought fiercely against institutional decisions can now help rebuild consensus within the profession.
The legal warrior is back in the ring—but this time, his battle is for the Secretary’s seat at the Uganda Law Society. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
