On Friday, the Registrar High Court, Samuel Emokor, presided over two ceremonies where a total of 88 lawyers were enrolled as advocates of the High Court.
The enrollment ceremonies, which took place at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala, were split into two shifts in order to observe COVID-19 SOPs.
In both shifts, HW Emokor, who represented the Chief Registrar, emphasized the need for discipline by adhering to the professional code of conduct. He urged the new advocates to find areas of speciality in practice, embrace offering probono services and always look out for recruitment opportunities in both Government and private sector.
The new officers of court were further advised to consider operations in different parts of the country because many people there have legal challenges but with little access to advocates.
“The demand for legal services out there is high. Unfortunately, many lawyers are concentrated in the Kampala Central Business District. And as such, a number of people do not get justice because there is no one to help them raise their issues in Court,” HW Emokor observed.
HW Emokor asked the new advocates to embrace Judiciary’s innovations that have been put in place for quick justice delivery such as Small Claims Procedure, Mediation and Plea Bargaining, to mention but a few.
Speaking on behalf of the President Uganda Law Society (ULS), Mr Alex Matovu, the Society’s Chairperson on the Legal Education Committee, emphasized the need for continuous legal education and mentorship.
“At ULS, we have introduced engagements for lawyers’ continuous legal trainings, skilling and education. We shall concentrate more on young lawyers’ mentorship series,” he said.
Mr Matovu stated that ULS Academy has been started to teach young lawyers how to professionally manage law firms and also to act as a platform to be connected to senior lawyers for career guidance.
He however appealed to the new advocates to be faithful, approachable and teachable if they are to be successful professionals.
Speaking on behalf of the Uganda Law Council, Mr Aaron Motoka briefed the new advocates to abide by the code of conduct that binds them as advocates. He went on to share tips of excellence in the profession.
“You can’t convince anyone if you can’t portray a high degree of professional competence, honesty, and transparency,” Mr Motoka said.
He further argued them to use their skills to judge and make decisions in all cases they will undertake during practice.
The climax of the ceremonies was the registering the names of the new officers of court on the roll of advocates and receiving practicing certificates.
