The Registrar Special Duties, Beatrice Stella Atingu, has urged newly enrolled Advocates of the High Court to uphold integrity and place the cause of justice above the interests of their clients, warning that the legal profession demands ethical courage and unwavering commitment to the administration of justice.
Speaking during the enrolment of 115 Advocates of the High Court at the High Court in Kampala on Friday, Atingu described admission to the Bar as a significant milestone and reminded the advocates that legal practice is not merely a source of livelihood but a calling to serve society.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Judiciary, the Uganda Law Society, the Law Council, as well as family members and friends of the newly enrolled advocates.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief Registrar, Agnes Alum, Atingu said advocates occupy a critical position within the justice system and must always ensure that their professional obligations are guided by truth, fairness and integrity.
“Never allow a client’s interests to override the cause of justice. Where a conflict arises, let integrity prevail, even if it means declining a brief,” she said.
Citing Article 126(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, Atingu emphasized that advocates have a duty to assist courts in administering justice fairly, efficiently and without undue regard to technicalities.
She noted that while the legal profession commands prestige, influence and respect, it equally requires discipline, sacrifice and commitment to ethical conduct.
“The legal profession is not merely a source of livelihood. It is a calling that requires service to clients, the courts and society at large,” she said.
Atingu challenged the newly enrolled advocates to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and thorough preparation, observing that only diligent and well-read practitioners would thrive in an increasingly demanding profession.
She further described an advocate as a “high priest in the temple of justice,” whose conduct must at all times be guided by professional ethics and a commitment to the truth.
According to her, the pursuit of justice must never be separated from ethical practice, adding that advocates should remain conscious of their broader responsibility to society.
“Good legal practice is not about the end justifying the means, but about ensuring ethical standards guide every process,” she said.
She also encouraged the advocates to contribute to social transformation through pro bono legal services, community engagement and initiatives aimed at expanding access to justice, particularly for vulnerable members of society.
Representing the Secretary of the Law Council, Patience Biira Mutooro congratulated the advocates upon their admission to the Bar and reminded them that while the Law Council is responsible for admitting legal practitioners, it is equally mandated to safeguard discipline and professional standards within the profession.
She warned against greed and unethical conduct, urging the advocates to embrace honesty and restraint in their practice.
“Take only what is yours, and not more,” she said, emphasizing that integrity remains the most valuable asset a lawyer can possess.
Mutooro further encouraged the advocates to maintain professionalism in their appearance, communication and interactions with clients, colleagues, judicial officers and the public, while remaining humble and open to correction throughout their careers.
Also addressing the advocates, the Vice
President of the Uganda Law Society, Anthony Asiimwe, challenged them to view themselves as trustees of justice and active participants in shaping the future of the legal profession.
He encouraged them to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution, adapt to digital transformation within the justice sector and align themselves with ongoing reforms being implemented by the Judiciary.