There was pride, relief and quiet anticipation in the air at the Court of Appeal Building Conference Hall in Kampala on Friday as 120 newly qualified lawyers took a decisive step into their professional lives, formally enrolling as Advocates of the High Court.
Dressed in black robes that symbolised both achievement and responsibility, the advocates were welcomed into the legal profession during the first enrolment ceremony of the year, presided over by the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya.
For many in the room, especially family members who had walked the long journey with them, the moment marked the fulfilment of years of sacrifice, late nights and unyielding determination.
Congratulating the new advocates, HW Lamunu described their admission as a milestone that comes with honour, privilege and weighty responsibility. She reminded them that while they were now entitled to enjoy the benefits of the profession, they were equally bound by its ethical demands.
“You are now free to enjoy the privileges and benefits of the profession, as well as the responsibilities that come with it,” she told them, urging the young lawyers to guard the values that give the legal profession its standing in society.
She cautioned against declining standards of integrity and professionalism, particularly among young practitioners, and reminded them of their unique position as officers of court, representatives of clients and members of the community.
Quoting Article 126(2) of the Constitution, HW Lamunu stressed that justice must always be upheld, even in the heat of adversarial representation.
“In defending your client, you should never subvert the cause of justice,” she said, emphasising that ethics and integrity remain the bedrock of legal practice.
Beyond courtrooms and chambers, she encouraged the advocates to remember the communities they come from and to give back through pro bono service, noting that the law equips them with powerful tools to transform lives.
The Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, Anthony Assiimwe, echoed those sentiments, describing the ceremony as both a celebration and a call to duty. He reminded the advocates that their role extends beyond winning cases to serving the public interest and safeguarding the rule of law.
With only about 7,000 lawyers serving a population of more than 50 million Ugandans, Assiimwe challenged the new advocates to remain relevant by embracing integrity, adaptability and lifelong learning.
He warned against shortcuts and betrayal of client trust, urging them to seek mentorship and continuous professional growth.
“Do not measure success by titles or money,” he advised. “Measure it by purpose, character and impact. Treat this profession not just as a career, but as a calling.”
Patience Biira Mutooro, a Senior State Attorney from the Law Council Secretariat, reminded the advocates that enrolment marks the true beginning of life at the Bar.
She urged them to strictly observe the professional code of conduct, pursue excellence and client care, and continually acquire new skills to remain future-ready.
The ceremony was made even more meaningful by the presence of proud relatives and mentors, including Court of Appeal Justice Fredrick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende, whose attendance underscored the continuity between generations of the Bench and the Bar.
Moderating the proceedings, HW Fidelis Otwao, Personal Assistant to the Chief Registrar, captured the spirit of the day, describing it as a transition from students of law to custodians of justice.
He reminded the advocates that the robes they now wear are more than ceremonial attire.
“They are a mantle of responsibility,” he said, as the newly enrolled lawyers stepped forward, ready to carry the hopes of their families and the weight of justice into their professional futures.
