Legal leaders have urged newly enrolled advocates to view the legal profession as a calling based on service to society, rather than a route to personal gain or wealth.

This message stood out during the first advocates’ enrolment ceremony of the year, where 120 lawyers were officially enrolled as Advocates of the High Court. The ceremony was presided over by the Acting Chief Registrar, HW Lamunu Pamella Ocaya.

The event took place at the Court of Appeal Building Conference Hall in Kampala on 23 January 2026. It was attended by family members, members of the Bench, and senior judicial officers, including Court of Appeal Justice Fredrick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende.

HW Lamunu congratulated the new advocates on reaching a major professional milestone. She reminded them that joining the Bar comes with both privileges and serious responsibilities.

She encouraged them to uphold integrity, professionalism, and service to society throughout their careers. She also warned against declining ethical standards, especially among young lawyers, stressing that advocates have a duty not only to their clients but also to the courts.

As officers of court, she said, advocates must assist courts to reach just decisions in line with Article 126(2) of the Constitution, and should never undermine justice while defending their clients.

Anthony Asiimwe, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, echoed the call for service-oriented legal practice. He described enrolment as the start of a demanding but meaningful journey, noting that legal practice goes beyond serving individual clients to protecting the public interest and the rule of law.

He urged the new advocates to remain ethical, avoid shortcuts, and protect client trust. He added that true success in the profession is measured by character, purpose, and impact rather than money or titles.

With about 7,000 lawyers serving a population of over 50 million Ugandans, Asiimwe highlighted the need for adaptability, integrity, mentorship, and continuous learning.

Patience Biira Mutooro, a Senior State Attorney from the Law Council Secretariat, reminded the advocates that enrolment marks the true beginning of life at the Bar. She urged them to strictly observe the professional code of conduct, work hard, and pursue success ethically while respecting the law.

She also encouraged them to acquire additional skills and provide good client care, noting that they represent both the present and future of the legal profession.

The ceremony marked the transition from students of law to custodians of justice, and the beginning of a professional journey guided by integrity, service, and commitment to the rule of law.