By Ben Musanje
More than 130 newly qualified advocates have joined Uganda’s legal profession after being formally enrolled to practice before the High Court and subordinate courts, with the Uganda Law Society (ULS) urging them to embrace a new era of ethical, innovative and justice-centred legal practice.
The advocates were enrolled on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during an exercise held at the Judiciary headquarters, The Square in Kampala.
The ceremony brought together representatives of the ULS, the Law Council, the advocates’ parents and guardians, and the Chief Registrar, marking a significant milestone for the newly admitted lawyers as they begin their professional careers.
Representing ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, SC, and the organisation’s Governing Council was Treasurer, Advocate Arthur Isiko, who welcomed the new advocates and challenged them to align their practice with the ideals of what ULS describes as the Radical New Bar.
Isiko urged the advocates to embrace three key principles — decolonization, democratization and digital transformation — as they navigate an evolving legal profession.
He also challenged them to move beyond theoretical knowledge and become hands-on, technically oriented practitioners committed to continuous professional development.
“Your role demands more than technical skill. It requires truthfulness, courage, humility, and ethical excellence,” Isiko told the newly enrolled advocates.
He emphasized that lawyers carry substantial responsibilities towards their clients and the wider public, urging them to uphold confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest, honour their fiduciary obligations and serve clients with diligence and honesty.
According to Isiko, the legal profession must also remain responsive to the realities of injustice and inequality facing society.
“In a world full of injustice and inequality, your voice can be the difference. Remember always: law is not a privilege for the few, but a shield for the many,” he said.
The ULS leadership further challenged the new advocates to maintain high standards of professional ethics and morality, drawing inspiration from Proverbs 31:8–9, which calls on people to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and defend the rights of the vulnerable.
The message placed the advocates’ professional responsibilities within a broader social context, emphasizing that legal practice is not only about courtroom representation but also about protecting rights, advancing justice and giving a voice to vulnerable members of society.
Isiko also reminded the new lawyers that enrollment should mark the beginning, rather than the end, of their professional learning.
He encouraged them to actively participate in Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programmes, build meaningful professional networks and continuously improve their technical and professional skills.
He further urged the advocates to deliberately shape their careers around a lasting legacy, encouraging them to consider how their work will contribute to the development of Uganda’s legal profession and access to justice.
The enrollment ceremony was also a moment of celebration for the advocates’ families and guardians, who witnessed the culmination of years of legal education, training and preparation for professional practice.
For the newly enrolled advocates, the next chapter will bring the demands and responsibilities of legal practice, including representing clients, navigating complex legal issues and upholding the standards expected of members of the Bar.
As they begin that journey, ULS has placed a strong emphasis on integrity, courage, professional competence and service to the public.
The organization’s message to the new generation of lawyers was clear: the future of legal practice will require advocates who are not only technically competent, but also ethical, innovative and willing to stand up for justice.
Welcome to the Bar, Counsel. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
