Tuma Kamara Denies Role in Kenema AGM Chaos, Outlines Vision for Stronger Bar Association
By Osman Marah
President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Tuma Adama Kamara, has on 29th July, 2026 defended her leadership record, outlined plans to strengthen the legal profession, and distanced herself from the chaos that marred the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kenema.
Speaking during the “One-on-One with Tuma Townhall” held at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, Kamara highlighted key achievements under her administration, including securing land for the Bar Association’s permanent secretariat and introducing a pension scheme for private legal practitioners in collaboration with NASSIT.
She also unveiled plans to improve Continuing Legal Education (CLE) through subsidised training for young lawyers, a digital learning platform, partnerships with the Sierra Leone Law School, and the launch of the SLBA website, which will provide members with online learning resources and access to professional materials.
Addressing concerns about the association’s finances, Kamara said her executive inherited only Le200,000 (new Leones) in the previous bank account despite significant membership subscriptions. She explained that a new account was opened at Rokel Commercial Bank, with the executive contributing seed funding before embarking on revenue mobilization efforts. She maintained that all financial records are properly documented and presented to members during the association’s Annual General Meetings in line with corporate governance principles.
On the Kenema courtroom incident, Kamara questioned whether what happened was due to a lack of capacity or a deliberate act, calling on leaders to take responsibility and be held accountable for the decisions they make. She stressed that leadership comes with accountability and said anyone organising such an event should ensure adequate measures are in place to prevent disruption. Kamara clarified that she played no role in planning or organising the 2024 AGM and attended only as an ordinary member.
