(L-R): HW Ayebare (Registrar - Supreme Court), Mr. Kadaga Kivunike Edwin, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga
A total of 110 new lawyers were today formally enrolled as advocates of the High Court of Uganda in a ceremony held at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall in Kampala.
The enrollment was presided over by HW Thadius Ayebare Tumwebaze, Registrar of the Supreme Court/Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Justice, who represented the Acting Chief Registrar.
In his opening remarks, HW Tumwebaze welcomed the new advocates to the legal profession, urging them to navigate the evolving legal landscape with competence, character, and ethical resolve.
"The world has changed, and so has the legal sector," he said. "You cannot abandon the past, it shapes the present. Balance your journey. Embrace technology, build competence, and act ethically."
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Tumwebaze congratulated the new entrants on their achievement, describing the legal profession as one that is both honourable and demanding. "Now is the time to define what kind of lawyer you want to be. It's time to make your brand," read part of the message.
The Acting Chief Registrar expressed concern over declining professional standards, particularly among young lawyers. She attributed this to inadequate mentorship and a lack of ethical grounding, urging the new advocates to hold fast to the foundational duty of serving justice, not merely representing clients, in line with Article 126 of the Constitution of Uganda.
She further called upon the new advocates to cultivate discipline and humility, outlining core values expected of every legal practitioner: principled practice, proper courtroom conduct, conflict-free representation, and meaningful engagement in pro bono service. She reminded them to be guided by honesty, integrity, diligence, competence, and compassion.
In her remarks, Ms Christine Awori, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Law Society, encouraged the new advocates to uphold ethical standards such as confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity, while remaining adaptive to legal and technological changes. She emphasized the importance of legal aid, mentorship, and continuous professional development, pledging the Society's continued support to members throughout their legal careers.
Ms Peace Athocon, representing the Secretary of the Law Council, described the enrollment as a "once-in-a-lifetime moment." She urged the advocates to maintain high standards in dress, courtroom decorum, and commitment to continuous legal education. "Remain teachable - if you are not teachable, you cannot teach others," she remarked.
Among the parents in attendance was the First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who graced the occasion in support of her son, Mr. Kadaga Kivunike Edwin, one of the newly enrolled advocates.
Also enrolled were Ms Sava Maria Lynatte and Ms Elizabeth Nanteza, who served as interns at the Chambers of the Chief Registrar.
The event was moderated by HW Fidelis Otwao, Personal Assistant to the Acting Chief Registrar, and was attended by members of the legal fraternity, Judiciary staff, family, and friends of the enrolled advocates.
Posted 7th, August 2025
