Kampala: Chief justice Bart Katureebe has implored legal officers to be devoid of corruption and exude professionalism saying advocates owe a duty to the public to provide quality legal services while handling pro bono cases.
Speaking during the celebration of pro bono day, justice Katureebe said, Legal fraternity exists to administer justice to the citizens of Uganda, “Weed out the bad apples from the Legal profession and be each other’s keepers, we must have a culture of zero tolerance of corruption in the profession” he added.
Under the theme ‘Access to Justice through pro bono; celebrating milestones and reaffirming commitment’, chief justice said, Pro BonoDay2018 is marked by various activities notable among them is marching publically, re-committing themselves to offer free professional legal services, offering legal aid to members of the public, and enrolling new advocates to the Pro Bono Scheme.
“the day is in line with their mission to develop a skilled and empowered legal profession in execution of statutory mandate to foster and improve access to and administration of justice as well as good governance in Uganda,” He said at “At Railway grounds in Kampala.
In his remarks, the Chairperson of the law council Justice Remmy Kasule lauded Uganda law society (ULS) for being a great partner to work and ensuring the members do pro bono work.
“As advocates should maintain the spirit of Pro-bono which the profession was designed to do and ensure quality professional services to the masses as any other private case handle, we should protect rights of every human being in Uganda,” said justice Kasule.
He called upon Legislators to be our ambassadors and to pass the Legal Aid Bill ASAP 2017 that aims at legalizing pro bono in Uganda.
Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda Henk Jan Bekker commended ULS efforts to promote social justice and is proud of the partnership with Democratic Governance Facility (DGF).