The Permanent Secretary for the Judiciary, Pius Bigirimana, has commended the Law Development Centre (LDC) for its pivotal role in equipping aspiring legal professionals with the skills and ethical grounding necessary for Uganda’s justice system.
Bigirimana made the remarks while officiating at the 53rd graduation ceremony of the LDC, held under the theme “Empowered to Build a Justice-Centered Uganda,” which he said reflects the responsibilities that rest on legal practitiLDC Graduates Urged to Be Ambassadors of Justice in Ugandaoners.
A total of 590 graduates were awarded qualifications in various disciplines after successfully completing their legal training. These included 165 certificates in Administrative Law, 2 Diplomas in Human Rights, and 423 Diplomas in Law.
Bigirimana highlighted ongoing gaps in access to social justice across the country, citing cases such as unlawful land evictions, single mothers struggling to obtain child support, and orphans and widows at risk of losing their inheritance to unscrupulous land grabbers. He emphasized that legal professionals play a critical role in addressing these injustices.
The Chairperson of the LDC Board of Directors, Justice Christopher Izama Madrama, who also serves as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda, urged graduates to uphold the rule of law, describing them as the backbone of the judiciary.
He noted that, “the courts cannot effectively execute their mandate without your knowledge, skills, and professionalism.”
Addressing graduates of the Diploma in Human Rights, Justice Izama encouraged them to be the voice of the voiceless, calling them “the conscience of the community.”
The Director of the Law Development Centre, Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra Kalyegira, reminded graduates that the law is not merely a collection of statutes and procedures but a living instrument meant to protect human dignity, promote fairness, and uphold the rule of law.
She encouraged graduates to serve society meaningfully, noting that they have been empowered with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary to deliver justice. Dr. Kalyegira emphasized that Uganda needs men and women who appreciate the law and are committed to ensuring justice for all.
She further urged the graduates to be ambassadors of justice within their communities, warning that legal knowledge without integrity is dangerous. She called on them to let honesty, professionalism, and respect for the law guide their actions:
“Uphold justice even when it is difficult. Speak for those whose voices are not heard. Use the law not as a weapon of oppression, but as a tool for empowerment and transformation,” Dr. Kalyegira said.