By Mulengera Reporters
A proposal to eject the Attorney General and Solicitor General from the Uganda Law Society (ULS) Council has emerged as one of the most consequential demands in a proposed overhaul of the law governing Uganda’s legal profession.
Advocate Rutaro Robert Muhairwe of Elgon Advocates wants Parliament to repeal the 1956 ULS Act and replace it with a new law that would fundamentally restructure the Society’s leadership, strengthen its independence and introduce sweeping changes to lawyers’ representation, welfare and accountability.
The proposal tables an argument that the Attorney General and Solicitor General should not sit on the Council of a professional body expected to hold government accountable on constitutionalism, human rights and the rule of law, yet they are appointed by the same government.
The two officials perform key legal functions for the State, a position Rutaro argues could create conflicts of institutional interest when the Society challenges government decisions or takes positions contrary to the Government’s interests.
He wants the proposed ULS Act, 2026, to establish stronger legal safeguards for the Society’s independence and insulate its leadership from potential government interference.
The recommendations are contained in a submission dated October 29, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Attorney General.
Rutaro argues that the existing law, enacted in 1956, no longer adequately addresses the realities of Uganda’s legal profession, which has expanded considerably amid changes in legal education, technology and professional practice.
Rather than merely amending selected provisions, he wants Parliament to undertake a complete legislative overhaul of the Act.
His proposals go beyond the composition of the Council to target how ULS is governed, how its leaders are elected and held accountable, and how lawyers are represented and supported.
He proposes increasing the tenure of the ULS President and other senior elected Council officials from one year to two years, renewable once, giving them the opportunity to serve a maximum of four years.
He also wants the Council restructured to accommodate broader representation of women, young lawyers, advocates with disabilities, government lawyers, corporate counsel and practitioners outside Kampala.
On lawyers’ welfare, Counsel Rutaro proposes a statutory Uganda Lawyers’ Welfare and Development Fund to support vulnerable and retired advocates, professional training and emergency assistance.
He further calls for tighter financial accountability, including publication of audited accounts, transparent procurement procedures, conflict-of-interest safeguards and greater access by members to the Society’s financial and governance records.
The proposed reforms would also establish a ULS Tribunal to handle professional complaints, particularly civil matters involving the conduct of Society members, with defined procedures for investigations, hearings and appeals.
Rutaro wants Parliament to consult widely before enacting the proposed law, including the Uganda Law Society, Judiciary, Law Council, Law Development Centre, Uganda Law Reform Commission, legal practitioners and legal academics. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
