A total of 115 lawyers were this morning enrolled as Advocates of the High Court during a ceremony held at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala, marking their formal admission to the legal profession.
The enrolment ceremony was presided over by HW Beatrice Stella Atingu, Registrar in charge of Special Duties at the High Court, on behalf of the Chief Registrar.
HW Atingu congratulated the newly enrolled advocates upon attaining the milestone, describing their admission to the Bar as both a privilege and a call to responsibility.
She said the legal profession comes with power, prestige and status, but cautioned that these must be exercised with integrity, humility and commitment to justice.
HW Atingu reminded the new advocates that, as officers of the court, they have a duty to assist judicial officers in reaching just decisions. She urged them to be guided by Article 126(2) of the Constitution, which requires courts to administer justice fairly, without delay and without undue regard to technicalities.
She further advised the advocates to be well-read, well-prepared and professional in their conduct, noting that only diligent and competent lawyers can meet the high standards expected of the profession.
While acknowledging that advocates have a duty to defend and protect the interests of their clients, HW Atingu warned that this duty should never be exercised in a manner that undermines the cause of justice.
She said where a conflict arises between an advocate’s duty to court and a client’s interests, the advocate must act with courage and integrity, even where that requires declining representation.
“Good legal practice is not about the end justifying the means, but about ensuring ethical standards guide every process,” she noted.
HW Atingu also encouraged the new advocates to use their profession to contribute to societal transformation, including through pro bono work and other initiatives that promote access to justice for vulnerable members of society.
She emphasized that success in legal practice is anchored in ethics, professionalism, honesty, diligence, competence, transparency, compassion and sobriety.
Ms Gillian Diana Kahuma, Senior State Attorney representing the Secretary to the Law Council, congratulated the advocates and reminded them that the Law Council is mandated to ensure that legal practitioners uphold professional standards and properly execute their duties.
She cautioned the new advocates that the Law Council admits lawyers to the profession, and also has authority to discipline those who breach professional standards.
Ms Kahuma urged them to remain ethical, patient and disciplined, and warned them against seeking undue gain. She said integrity remains one of the most important pillars of legal practice and is central to building a lawyer’s reputation.
She also emphasized the importance of decorum, advising the advocates to maintain professionalism in appearance, conduct and communication, and to remain open to correction as they grow in the profession.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, Mr Eddie Nangulu, welcomed the newly enrolled advocates to the Bar and described their admission as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, service and growth.
He encouraged them to seek mentorship from senior advocates and experienced practitioners, noting that mentorship is essential in shaping ethical, competent and resilient lawyers.
Mr Nangulu also urged the advocates to embrace pro bono work, saying the legal profession is not only about earning a livelihood but also about serving society and promoting access to justice for the vulnerable and underprivileged.
Posted 15th, May 2026
