Kampala– The Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya, on Friday, presided over the first enrolment ceremony of the year, during which 120 lawyers were formally enrolled as Advocates of the High Court. The ceremony took place at the Court of Appeal Building Conference Hall in Kampala.
In her remarks, HW Lamunu congratulated the newly enrolled advocates on attaining a major professional milestone, describing their admission as both a privilege and a responsibility. She urged them to uphold integrity, professionalism, and service to society as they embark on their legal careers.
“It is a great pleasure for me to speak to you this morning after your enrolment as advocates of the Courts of Judicature. You are now free to enjoy the privileges and benefits of the profession, as well as the responsibilities that come with it,” she said.
Reflecting on the honour and prestige traditionally associated with the legal profession, the Acting Chief Registrar cautioned the new advocates against declining standards of integrity and professionalism, particularly among young lawyers. She reminded them of their multifaceted roles as officers of court, agents of clients, and members of the wider community.
“As officers of court, you are expected to assist the court to reach a just decision in line with Article 126(2) of the Constitution. …in defending your client, you should never subvert the cause of justice,”
she emphasised, noting that ethics and integrity remain the cornerstone of legal practice.
HW Lamunu further encouraged the advocates to give back to society through pro bono service, observing that the legal profession places them in a privileged position to positively transform their communities.
The Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, Mr Anthony Assiimwe, described the enrolment as a significant moment of celebration and accomplishment. He congratulated the advocates and reminded them that legal practice extends beyond serving individual clients to serving public interest and upholding the rule of law.
He urged the new advocates to remain ethical, maintain a strong moral compass, avoid cutting corners, and never betray the trust of their clients. Emphasising that enrolment marks only the beginning of the professional journey, Mr Assiimwe encouraged them to pursue mentorship, continuous learning, and professional growth.
With approximately 7,000 lawyers serving a population of over 50 million Ugandans, he noted that relevance in the profession depends on adaptability and integrity. He advised the advocates not to measure success by titles or financial gain, but by purpose, character, and impact, and to treat the legal profession not merely as a career, but as a calling.
Ms Patience Biira Mutooro, a Senior State Attorney from the Law Council Secretariat, also congratulated the advocates on reaching this milestone. She noted that enrolment marks the true beginning of one’s life as an advocate and urged them to strictly observe the professional code of conduct.
She encouraged the newly enrolled advocates to work hard, earn a living, and pursue success, but to do so ethically, professionally, and with respect for the law. She also emphasised the importance of acquiring additional skills and maintaining good client care, reminding them that while they are future-ready, they are also the future of the legal profession.
The ceremony was attended by family members of the new advocates who included Court of Appeal’s Justice Fredrick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende.
The proceedings were moderated by HW Fidelis Otwao, Personal Assistant to the Chief Registrar, who described the occasion as momentous and symbolic of the transition from students of law to custodians of justice. He reminded the new advocates that the robes they wear are not merely a uniform, but a mantle of responsibility.
