A total of 113 lawyers were on Thursday enrolled as Advocates of the High Court during a ceremony held at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala.
The enrolment was presided over by HW Beatrice Stella Atingu, Registrar in charge of Special Duties at the High Court, representing the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Atingu described the occasion as a blessing, noting that the milestone was made possible through the hand of God.
She congratulated the newly enrolled advocates upon joining the learned profession and reminded them that while the legal field carries power, prestige, and status, it also demands a high level of responsibility.
She acknowledged the presence of leadership from the Uganda Law Society and the Law Council of Uganda, noting that their attendance reflected a shared commitment to nurturing young professionals at the start of their legal careers.
HW Atingu emphasised that advocates have duties to the court, their clients, and the wider community. As officers of the court, she urged them to assist judicial officers in the administration of justice in line with Article 126(2) of the Constitution, which calls for justice to be administered fairly, without delay, and without undue regard to technicalities.
She cautioned that only well-read and well-prepared advocates can meet the high standards required of the profession.
While acknowledging the duty of advocates to defend and protect their clients’ interests, she stressed that they must never subvert the cause of justice. In instances where a conflict arises between duty to the court and the interests of a client, she urged them to act with courage and integrity, even if it means declining representation.
She likened an advocate to a “high priest in the temple of justice,” guided at all times by fairness and what is right.
She further encouraged the new advocates to contribute meaningfully to societal transformation, including undertaking pro bono work and using their position to uplift others.
HW Atingu underscored that success in legal practice lies in adherence to ethics, professionalism, honesty, diligence, competence, transparency, compassion, and sobriety, noting that ethical conduct must guide every process.
Representing the Secretary of the Law Council, Patience Biira Mutooro congratulated the advocates and reminded them of the Council’s mandate to regulate the profession. She cautioned that while the Council admits advocates, it equally has the authority to discipline them.
Mutooro urged the new entrants to remain ethical, patient, and disciplined, cautioning against the pursuit of undue gain. Emphasising integrity as a cornerstone of legal practice, she noted that it is what ultimately builds a lawyer’s reputation.
She also highlighted the importance of decorum, urging advocates to maintain professionalism in both appearance and conduct, remain open to correction, and communicate respectfully at all times.
Emmanuel Egaru Otim, representing the Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, underscored the importance of discipline, hard work, and faith in God as key pillars for success in the profession.
He welcomed the new advocates to the noble fraternity, noting that their enrolment marks the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.
Encouraging them to build meaningful legacies, Otim emphasised that success should not be measured by wealth or titles, but by the problems they solve and the impact they create.
“Your legacy begins now,” he noted, urging them to serve diligently and make wise choices throughout their careers.
Earlier, HW Fidelis Otwao, Personal Assistant to the Chief Registrar, who moderated the ceremony, described the occasion as a significant rite of passage marked by persistence and achievement, and commended all those who contributed to the advocates’ success.
