113 Advocates Enrolled in Ceremony Marked by Calls for Integrity and Professionalism
The Judiciary enrolled 113 new advocates in a ceremony presided over by Acting Chief Registrar, HW Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, at the Court of Appeal Building Conference Hall.
HW Lamunu emphasized the urgent need to restore integrity and professionalism in the legal fraternity, citing growing public distrust in lawyers. She attributed this to ethical lapses among young practitioners and a lack of mentorship from senior advocates.
“We face a crisis of integrity in the legal profession with both national and international implications,” she cautioned. “Advocates bear heavy responsibilities to the court, their clients, and the wider community.”
She urged the newly enrolled advocates to embrace their duties beyond personal gain, particularly by engaging in pro bono work and dedicating at least ten percent of their time and earnings to community service.
“Society holds you in a privileged position. Use that privilege to serve the less fortunate,” she said, emphasizing that legal ethics encompass compassion, accountability, and public service, in addition to honesty and fairness.
Mr. Anthony Asiimwe, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, representing the Society’s President, echoed the call for professionalism and service. He highlighted the critical role of lawyers in protecting and assisting the public, noting that the profession’s credibility depends on the values advocates uphold daily.
“Do not underestimate the power of ordinary work done with extraordinary integrity,” Asiimwe said. “The lives you touch and the justice you promote outweigh any accolades.”
Ms. Peace Athocon, representing the Secretary of the Law Council, congratulated the new advocates and reminded them that their professional journey was just beginning. She distinguished between the “permission stage”—marked by their enrollment—and the “production stage,” where their competence would be judged by tangible results.
“Results cannot be faked,” she said. “Your work will speak for you. Remember, your first law teachers were your parents—honor them.”
Ms. Athocon also cautioned against financial impropriety and urged advocates to prioritize service over self, noting that such values could lead to greater leadership opportunities.
Among those enrolled was Rt. Hon. Rose Namayanja, Deputy Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), marking a significant milestone in her career.
The ceremony was moderated by HW Willy Atono, Personal Assistant to the Chief Registrar.
By Patience Kengoro
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