A Lawyer receiving a certificate from the HW Langa (Chief Registrar)
The Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu, has called upon the young lawyers to set out to be good brand ambassadors for the legal profession.
"Add value wherever you go, let excellence be your trademark that people will know that you will leave a difference when you go to a place," she said.
She made this call during an enrolment exercise where at least 81 lawyers were enrolled as advocates of the High Court at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala.
She stated: "We cannot overemphasize the need for integrity and honesty in your practice because that is what the people of Uganda require of you."
The CR outlined other traits of a good lawyer such as professionalism, patience, diligence at duty, courtesy, the fear of God, hard work, compassion and transparency. She also stressed the need to choose a good mentor to guide them in their professional journey.
Additionally, the Secretary Law Council, Mr Aaron Motoka, urged the lawyers to uphold the code of conduct of the legal profession. He tipped them on practices that help in their pursuit of success.
Observing decorum at court at all times, engaging in pro bono work, continuous learning and making friends were some of the practices Mr Motoka singled out. He, however, cautioned the new advocates to avoid practicing without a certificate, fighting legal battles in the media and greed. He says such misconducts can amount to a disciplinary matter punishable by suspension or striking off one’s name from the Advocates Roll.
The President of the Uganda Law Society was represented by Mr Moses Okwalinga, the Executive Director ULS, who called upon the newly enrolled advocates to uphold the court's image.
"By signing the roll, you become an officer of the court and therefore, it is important that you do everything possible to uphold the image of the court," he said. He cautioned the new officers of the court to desist from commenting on ongoing cases or defaming court in media.
Mr Okwalinga also urged them to embrace the mentorship programmes organized by ULS, contribute to legal aid services, and ensure continuous legal education to keep abreast with the dynamic jurisprudence set by new court decisions Acts of Parliament.
The CR disclosed that there is already a list of more than 200 lawyers who are due for enrolment and that the process will take place later this month.
Posted 30th, April 2021
