The Judiciary has challenged 123 newly enrolled Advocates of the High Court to restore public confidence in Uganda’s legal profession by upholding integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct amid growing concerns over declining ethical standards.
The advocates were formally admitted to the Bar after signing the Roll of Advocates during an enrolment ceremony held at the Court of Appeal Building Conference Hall at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala.
The ceremony was presided over by Chief Registrar Agnes Alum in her first enrolment exercise since assuming office.
Addressing the new advocates, Alum congratulated them on reaching a major milestone but reminded them that the privilege of practising law comes with significant responsibilities.
“You are now free to enjoy not only the privileges and benefits of being an advocate but also the responsibilities that come with the profession,” she said.
She described the legal profession as an honourable calling founded on public trust but acknowledged that it has increasingly come under scrutiny over concerns about integrity and professionalism, particularly among some young lawyers.
“I urge you to disprove this perception through your actions,” Alum said.
She noted that the profession is also grappling with a decline in mentorship as many senior practitioners gradually withdraw from actively guiding the next generation of lawyers.
Against that backdrop, the Chief Registrar called on the newly enrolled advocates to become ambassadors of ethical practice and help rebuild confidence in the legal system.
She reminded them that their duty extends beyond representing clients, saying advocates are officers of the court with a constitutional obligation to support the administration of justice.
“As officers of the court, advocates have a duty to assist courts in achieving just outcomes in accordance with Article 126(2) of the Constitution while balancing their obligation to represent clients without compromising the administration of justice,” she said.
Alum further urged the advocates to prepare diligently for every matter, continuously update their legal knowledge and actively seek mentorship from experienced practitioners to strengthen their careers.
She also encouraged them to use their legal training to serve society through pro bono work and community service, saying lawyers have a critical role in promoting access to justice and addressing societal challenges.
Emphasising the values that should define their careers, Alum said success in legal practice depends on “unwavering adherence to ethics, honesty, competence, diligence, transparency and professionalism,” while cautioning them against unethical conduct.
She urged the advocates to maintain sobriety, integrity and respect for the courts throughout their professional lives.
Representing the Secretary to the Law Council, Principal State Attorney Naomi Kyampaire reminded the advocates that admission to the Bar marks the beginning of lifelong professional growth rather than the end of legal training.
She encouraged them to pursue continuous legal education, seek mentorship, master both substantive and procedural law, strengthen their communication skills, embrace innovation and develop areas of legal specialisation.
Kyampaire urged the advocates to strive for excellence in serving both their clients and the administration of justice.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, the Society’s Treasurer Arthur Isiko thanked parents and guardians for supporting the advocates throughout their legal education.
He reminded the new advocates that they are “trustees of justice and officers of the court entrusted with shaping society through the law.”
Isiko urged them to uphold professional ethics, reject shortcuts, embrace mentorship and lifelong learning, and build lasting careers founded on integrity, humility and public service.
Fidelis Otawo underscored the significance of the occasion, telling the advocates that their admission carried both legal and moral obligations.
“Signing the Roll is not a mere formality; it is a solemn covenant,” Otawo said.
The enrolment officially authorises the 123 advocates to practise before Uganda’s courts, marking the beginning of their legal careers at a time when the Judiciary is calling for renewed commitment to ethical practice and the restoration of public trust in the legal profession.
