KAMPALA- The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has unveiled an audacious plan to host the 26th Commonwealth Law Conference (CLC) in Kampala in 2029.
The historic bid to host this prestigious global legal gathering, held biennially since 1955, was officially announced at ULS House on Thursday, August 28, 2025, during the 33rd Edition of #RNBLive—the weekly hybrid digital platform where the Radical New Bar engages with the press and the public.
ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, SC, and the Vice President Anthony Asiimwe jointly attended the 24th CLC which took place in Portomaso, Malta and conceived the Kampala 2029 bid after observing the process that resulted in the decision by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) to hold the 25th CLC in Darwin, Australia in 2027.
To bring the bid to fruition, ULS has partnered with Uganda Convention Bureau (UCB)—a specialized unit within the Uganda Tourism Board mandated to promote and facilitate Uganda’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) offerings.
“The ULS Governing Council has affirmed its full commitment to this initiative, and we believe that hosting this prestigious conference in Kampala will bring substantial global visibility, economic benefits, knowledge exchange, and a lasting legacy for the Radical New Bar,” stated the ULS President, Isaac Ssemakadde, SC, in a message delivered on his behalf by Advocate Robert Jurua, the Litigation Officer at ULS House and Master of Ceremonies at the 33rd #RNBLive.
Paul Mugabo, Sales Officer at the Uganda Convention Bureau, commended President Ssemakadde’s optimism regarding the success of the event and applauded the Radical New Bar Governing Council for its strong commitment and assurance of full support for the conference.
“I really appreciate the Uganda Law Society’s endorsement especially considering the hurdles we have faced in reaching out to the line ministry,” said Mr. Mugabo. “I was truly encouraged when I called President Ssemakadde—he was full of zeal and positivity about this historic event. I believe he is one of the few presidents of associations that I have spoken to, who genuinely has the drive and enthusiasm to invite the world to Uganda and proudly showcase what his country has to offer.”
Henry Bukenya, the Business Development Officer at the Uganda Convention Bureau, pledged to support the Uganda Law Society with training on the quality standards required to host a high-value, global convention of this scale.
“International delegations are impressed by quality, and it is always our role at the Uganda Convention Bureau and the Uganda Tourism Board to brief hosting associations on the importance of upholding that standard,” said Mr. Bukenya. “Dignitaries from abroad expect experiences that are distinct from what they’re used to, and we must tailor our approach with that in mind.”
While delivering a vote of thanks, ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe expressed gratitude to the Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda Convention Bureau, describing the Kampala bid for CLC 2029 as a rare and valuable opportunity that Ugandan lawyers should wholeheartedly embrace.
“This is not an opportunity that benefits only lawyers; it’s advantageous to all Ugandans,” he said. “As the Radical New Bar, these are the kinds of opportunities we must harness. Recently, the President and I attended the 24th Commonwealth Law Conference in Malta, and my experience showed that the benefits extend beyond the participants—hosting the event brings significant value to the entire country.”
In Africa, the Commonwealth Law Conference (CLC) has previously been hosted by Nigeria in 1980, Kenya in 2007, South Africa in 2013, and Zambia in 2019.
