On Friday, a total of 115 lawyers were on Friday enrolled as Advocates of the High Court during a ceremony held at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala, officially marking their admission to the legal profession.
The enrolment ceremony was presided over by HW Beatrice Stella Atingu, Registrar in charge of Special Duties at the High Court, on behalf of the Chief Registrar.
In her remarks, HW Atingu congratulated the newly enrolled advocates upon reaching the milestone, describing admission to the Bar as both a privilege and a call to responsibility.
She noted that the legal profession comes with power, prestige, and status, but emphasized that these must be exercised with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
HW Atingu reminded the advocates that, as officers of the court, they have a duty to assist judicial officers in ensuring fair and just decisions. She urged them to be guided by Article 126(2) of the Constitution, which requires courts to administer justice fairly, without delay, and without undue regard to technicalities.
She further advised the advocates to remain well-read, adequately prepared, and professional in their conduct, noting that only diligent and competent lawyers can meet the high standards expected of the profession.
While acknowledging that advocates are obligated to defend and protect the interests of their clients, HW Atingu cautioned that such duty should never undermine the cause of justice.
She stressed that where a conflict arises between an advocate’s duty to court and a client’s interests, lawyers must act with courage and integrity, even where that may require declining representation.
“Good legal practice is not about the end justifying the means, but about ensuring ethical standards guide every process,” she said.
HW Atingu also encouraged the newly enrolled advocates to use their profession to contribute to societal transformation through pro bono work and initiatives aimed at promoting access to justice for vulnerable members of society.
She emphasized that success in legal practice is anchored in ethics, professionalism, honesty, diligence, competence, transparency, compassion, and sobriety.
Ms Gillian Diana Kahuma, Senior State Attorney representing the Secretary to the Law Council, congratulated the advocates and reminded them that the Law Council is mandated to ensure legal practitioners uphold professional standards and properly execute their duties.
She cautioned the new advocates that while the Law Council admits lawyers to the profession, it also possesses the authority to discipline those who breach professional standards.
Ms Kahuma urged them to remain ethical, patient, and disciplined, warning against the pursuit of undue gain. She noted that integrity remains one of the most important pillars of legal practice and is central to building a lawyer’s reputation.
She also emphasized the importance of decorum, advising the advocates to maintain professionalism in their appearance, conduct, and communication, while remaining open to correction as they grow in the profession.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, Mr Eddie Nangulu welcomed the newly enrolled advocates to the Bar, describing their admission as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, service, and growth.
He encouraged them to seek mentorship from senior advocates and experienced practitioners, noting that mentorship is essential in shaping ethical, competent, and resilient lawyers.
Mr Nangulu also urged the advocates to embrace pro bono work, saying the legal profession is not only about earning a livelihood but also about serving society and promoting access to justice for the vulnerable and underprivileged.
Earlier, HW Fidelis Otwao, Personal Assistant to the Chief Registrar and moderator of the ceremony, described the enrolment as a significant rite of passage marked by persistence and achievement. She welcomed the new advocates and acknowledged the efforts of all those who contributed to their success.
Keywords:
Advocates, High Court, Uganda Judiciary, Supreme Court Conference Hall, Kampala, HW Beatrice Stella Atingu, Law Council, Uganda Law Society, Eddie Nangulu, Gillian Diana Kahuma, legal profession, advocates enrolment, justice, ethics, professionalism, pro bono, Article 126(2), lawyers, judicial officers, access to justice
