KAMPALA — Twin sisters and activists Yvonne Babirye and Cynthia Nakato have come forward with explosive allegations against Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde, accusing him of manipulation, verbal abuse, and exploitation during his 2024-2025 tenure. Their account, shared exclusively with this publication, paints a disturbing picture of a leader they say weaponized their trust—and their twin identity—for personal and political gain.
The Promise: “A Midnight Train to Success”
The sisters first crossed paths with Ssemakadde during the 2024 #March2Parliament protests, where their activism drew national attention. Ssemakadde, then a ULS presidential candidate, reportedly approached them with grand promises: roles in his campaign, a registered business in their names, and a “diaspora tour” to amplify their influence.
“He said this was our chance to save our retirement plan—a midnight train to success,” Yvonne recalled.
But red flags emerged quickly. During a trip to Mombasa, Ssemakadde allegedly suggested “suggestive photography” to promote their twin brand. When Cynthia objected, he quipped, “Should I drug you to comply?”—a remark dismissed as a “bad joke” at the time.
The Downward Spiral: No Contracts, Only Control
After securing the ULS presidency in October 2024, Ssemakadde verbally appointed both sisters as his “Chiefs of Staff,” promising UGX 5 million monthly salaries. No formal contracts were ever signed.
At a strategic retreat, tensions flared. Ssemakadde reportedly asked Cynthia, “How come you don’t have kids? I’m here!”—a comment she called “inappropriate.” Days later, during a Café Javas meeting, he allegedly screamed, “You’re just stupid girls with pretty faces on the internet!”
Yvonne and Cynthia cut ties via text, but Ssemakadde apologized, blaming “pressure.” They agreed to return—on condition of a written agreement. He never honored it.
Abuse and Betrayal: “You’re a Weak Woman”
By December 2024, the relationship unraveled. Ssemakadde allegedly:
- Confessed to “experimenting” on the twins.
- Admitted to fathering a child with another woman while presenting himself as single.
- Berated Cynthia as “damaged” for setting boundaries and labeled her “a weak woman” during a heated call.
In March 2025, Yvonne says Ssemakadde turned on her, unleashing a torrent of abuse after she questioned unpaid promises:
“Accept it—you’re a whore. Stupid girls like you only learn when they lose their beauty. Get your poverty mindset out of my house.”
He then allegedly evicted her from his apartment, leaving her and her children facing homelessness.
Silence in the Face of Objectification
The twins claim Ssemakadde ignored repeated instances of sexual objectification they faced publicly. “He never used his position to defend us,” Cynthia said. “We’re ashamed we ever supported him.”
Their disillusionment deepened when Ssemakadde allegedly prioritized a “televised reality show” about his ULS presidency over their professional collaborations.
Calls for Accountability
Cynthia severed ties in January 2025, announcing on X:
“Activists and politicians use us. When we resist, they sabotage us. Now, we focus on our truth.”
Yvonne, however, stayed—enticed by promises of managing a T-shirt shop. Those plans collapsed, leaving her financially stranded.
What Now?
The twins are now seeking legal aid and housing support. Their story raises urgent questions about accountability for Uganda’s power brokers.
Ssemakadde, currently in Rwanda avoiding arrest threats over unrelated remarks about the DPP, has not responded to requests for comment.
Key Takeaways:
- Ssemakadde allegedly exploited the twins’ activism and twin identity for personal gain.
- Verbal abuse, broken promises, and lack of contracts defined their “partnership.”
- The sisters now demand accountability while grappling with housing instability.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” the twins wrote, quoting John 8:32.
⚠️ Note: This article is based on Yvonne and Cynthia’s firsthand account. Efforts to contact Isaac Ssemakadde for comment were unsuccessful.
To support Yvonne and Cynthia or share information, contact [REDACTED].
