HW Tom Chemutai with an advocate who was being enrolled to the bar
KAMPALA: At least 71 lawyers were on Wednesday July 18, 2018 sworn in as advocates of the Courts of Judicature at a function presided over by the Registrar High Court, HW Tom Chemutai. An Advocate is an enrolled lawyer to the bar and can address court whereas a lawyer cannot address the court as he is not enrolled.
HW Chemutai, who represented the Ag. Chief Registrar, HW Isaac Muwata, congratulated the advocates upon joining the legal fraternity and wished them an enjoyable legal practice.
In a rare feat, the Attorney General and head of the bar, Mr. William Byaruhanga, came to witness the function. Under Article 119 (3) of the Constitution, the Attorney General is the principal legal adviser to the government. The Attorney General also has the mandate, to draw and peruse all contracts, agreements and international legal undertakings in respect of which the government or one of its agencies has an interest. The Attorney General also represents the government in courts of law or any other legal proceedings to which the Government is party.
In his remarks, Mr. Byaruhanga told the new officers of court that the legal profession is congested and that they must have a cutting edge to survive. "The law output, over the years, has increased. You must retain focus and maximise your own comparative advantage."
He said this has served him well since 1986 when he joined the legal profession.
The Registrar High Court congratulated the new advocates for being the first group where the head of the bar addresses them. He urged them to do their bit as officers of court to ensure there is administration of justice.
He urged the new advocates to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution, Plea Bargaining and other reforms by the Judiciary to ensure timely disposal of cases.
"When you go to court, you need to be prepared and committed tothe legal cause," HW Chemutai counselled.
He added that Public Interest Litigation in the protection of human rights should be every lawyer's responsibility.
Mr Moses Kiyimba, who spoke on behalf of Uganda Law Society told the group that enrollment comes with certain obligations such as discipline which is key for professional development.
He cautioned them against creating a comfort zone and urged them to look for greater horizons.
"There is a mentorship programme for young lawyers at Uganda Law Society Secretariat..I urge you to enroll for it," he said.
The master of ceremonies and Deputy Registrar in Charge of Special Projects, HW Susan Abinyo, urged the new officers of court to take heed of the wise counsel for their own professional growth.
Law students on internship from Pepperdine University witnessed the event as well.
Posted 21st, July 2018
