Kampala, Uganda: Renowned American legal scholar, Paul Butler, is set to deliver a public lecture in Kampala this Friday, June 20, 2025, focusing on the rule of law and democracy under former U.S. President Donald Trump and the implications for Uganda’s legal and political systems.
The lecture, organised by the Radical New Bar (RNB), will take place at ULS House, Plot 5A John Babiiha Road, beginning at 9:00 AM under the theme; “Rule of Law and Democracy in the USA under President Donald Trump: Implications for Uganda,” and is part of a broader dialogue series aimed at encouraging critical reflection on global trends in governance and justice.
The lecture comes at a time of increased scrutiny over the impact of U.S. foreign policy decisions on Uganda, including the recent closure of USAID programs, visa restrictions, and shifting bilateral engagements.
Professor Butler is expected to examine how Trump-era policies, particularly those shaped by the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, reshaped legal norms in the U.S. and how those shifts may resonate in jurisdictions like Uganda that rely on international partnerships and multilateral legal frameworks.
Speaking ahead of the event, ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, SC, emphasized the urgency of the conversation, especially in light of strained U.S.–Uganda relations.
“This discussion provides a unique opportunity for Ugandan thought leaders to learn from Professor Butler about the global impact of M.A.G.A. politics,” said Ssemakadde. “Given Washington’s recent unpredictable actions—USAID’s abrupt closure, targeted law firm reprisals, university sanctions, and weaponized deportations—it’s crucial for anyone interested in legal and political futures to attend.”
The RNB says much as the lecture is open to the public, only 50 physical seats are available, and offers two Continuing Legal Education (CLE) points for eligible legal practitioners.
About Professor Paul Butler
Prof. Paul Butler is the Albert Brick Professor in Law at Georgetown University Law Center and one of America’s most respected voices on race, criminal justice, and democratic governance. He is also a legal analyst for MSNBC and a contributing columnist for The Washington Post.
A former federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice, Prof. Butler’s legal career has included high-stakes corruption cases and groundbreaking academic work. He has served as a visiting professor at Harvard and UPenn, and frequently lectures at top global institutions.
His critically acclaimed books, Let’s Get Free and Chokehold: Policing Black Men, have been hailed as definitive works on criminal justice reform, with Chokehold being described by The New York Times as “the best book on criminal justice reform since The New Jim Crow.”
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