The Registrar in Charge of Special Duties at the High Court, Beatrice Stella Atingu, has called on newly enrolled advocates to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical responsibility as they enter legal practice.
She made the remarks as 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 ceremony was presided over by Atingu on behalf of the Chief Registrar.
In her remarks, Atingu congratulated the new advocates upon attaining the milestone, describing admission to the Bar as both a privilege and a serious call to responsibility. She emphasized that while the legal profession is associated with power, prestige and status, these must always be exercised with integrity, humility and a commitment to justice.
She reminded the advocates that, as officers of the court, they are duty-bound 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.
Atingu advised the new advocates to be well-prepared, well-read and professional in their conduct, noting that only diligent and competent practitioners can meet the expectations of the legal profession.
While acknowledging their responsibility to represent and defend the interests of their clients, she cautioned that this duty must never be exercised in a manner that undermines the cause of justice.
She further stressed that where a conflict arises between duty to the court and duty to a client, advocates must act with courage and integrity, even if it requires declining representation.
“Good legal practice is not about the end justifying the means, but about ensuring ethical standards guide every process,” she said.
Atingu further encouraged the advocates to use their profession as a tool for societal transformation, including through pro bono services and initiatives that promote access to justice for vulnerable communities.
She underscored that long-term success in legal practice is anchored in ethics, professionalism, honesty, diligence, competence, transparency, compassion and sobriety.
Following her remarks, the enrolment ceremony continued with messages of guidance and encouragement from key stakeholders in the legal profession.
Gillian Diana Kahuma, Senior State Attorney representing the Secretary to the Law Council, congratulated the advocates upon their admission and reminded them that the Law Council is mandated to ensure that legal practitioners uphold professional standards in the execution of their duties.
She cautioned that the Council also has the authority to discipline practitioners who breach these standards.
Kahuma urged the new advocates to remain ethical, patient and disciplined, warning against the pursuit of undue gain.
She emphasized that integrity is central to building a strong professional reputation and sustaining a credible legal career.
She further encouraged decorum in appearance, conduct and communication, and advised the advocates to remain open to correction as they develop in the profession.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, Eddie Nangulu welcomed the newly enrolled advocates to the bar, describing their admission as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, service and professional growth.
He encouraged them to seek mentorship from experienced practitioners, noting that mentorship is essential in shaping competent and ethical lawyers.
Nangulu also urged them to embrace pro bono work as part of their responsibility to promote access to justice for vulnerable and underprivileged members of society.
Earlier, Fidelis Otwao, Personal Assistant to the Chief Registrar and moderator of the ceremony, described the enrolment as a significant rite of passage marked by persistence and achievement, and acknowledged the contributions of all those who supported the new advocates in reaching this milestone.
