The Chief Registrar of the Courts of Judicature, Agnes Alum, has challenged 90 newly enrolled advocates to uphold integrity and professional ethics, warning that the legal profession needs principled lawyers to restore public trust. Alum made the call while presiding over the enrolment ceremony at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala, where she urged the new advocates to prioritise honesty, competence and ethical conduct in their practice.
She said public distrust of the legal profession, partly attributed to declining integrity and inadequate professional guidance, could only be addressed through a renewed commitment to ethical practice. Alum encouraged the advocates to seek guidance from experienced lawyers, pursue continuous professional training and embrace honesty, diligence, transparency, compassion and sobriety as the true measures of professional success.
At the centre of her address, the Chief Registrar outlined three fundamental responsibilities of every advocate: duties to the court, the client and the community. She emphasised that an advocate’s primary obligation is to the court, urging the newly enrolled lawyers to prepare thoroughly and support the administration of impartial justice in line with Article 126(2) of the Constitution, which provides for justice to be administered to all without undue regard to technicalities.
While acknowledging the duty of advocates to represent their clients diligently, Alum cautioned them against compromising justice in pursuit of favourable outcomes. She urged the lawyers to uphold truth and integrity, including declining representation where a client’s interests conflict with their duty to the court.
Alum also challenged the new advocates to use their profession to serve society by offering free legal services to vulnerable people who cannot afford representation and participating in community outreach initiatives. The Law Council representative, Patience Biira, reminded the advocates that enrolment marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to professional responsibility.
She highlighted key compliance requirements, including completing 20 hours of Continuous Legal Education annually to maintain a practising certificate, working under approved chambers, observing proper courtroom dress standards, avoiding conflicts of interest, and safeguarding clients’ funds.
Uganda Law Society Treasurer Arthur Isiko also urged the advocates to uphold professional integrity and ethical standards, saying their conduct would play an important role in restoring public confidence in the legal profession. The leaders called on the new lawyers to balance their professional obligations with their responsibility to society, particularly through pro bono legal services and community outreach-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
