The Northern Region Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Dr Lina Zedriga was among three distinguished women honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Uganda Law Society (ULS).

This was during a special Radical New Bar Live session held to mark a belated celebration of International Women’s Day under the theme, “Give to Gain.”

Dr Zedriga was recognised alongside Linda Bonyo, founder of Lawyers Hub, and Dr. Sylvia Nambiru, Chief Executive Officer of the Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET), for their outstanding contributions to the legal profession, human rights advocacy, and public service.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by the Head of Rule of Law, Apio Afrua, ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde described the three honourees as women whose lives exemplify the event’s theme.

“These three women embody ‘Give to Gain’ not as a slogan, but as a lived revolution,” he said.

A respected peace-building expert and long-time advocate for justice, Dr. Zedriga moved the audience with a personal reflection on the struggles that have shaped her journey.

She recounted her experience of being forcibly disappeared for 21 days and later detained at Luzira Women’s Prison as prisoner “zero-zero-seven.”

“My mother told me even my birth was a struggle… That is why I was called Riwarro,” she said.

The event also celebrated the work of Bonyo, who created Africa’s Data Policy Framework while undergoing chemotherapy for blood cancer from a hospital bed in India.

Addressing the gathering, she encouraged professionals to persevere despite personal challenges.

“Just do what you need to do despite what you’re going through. There will be grace for it,” Bonyo said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nambiru was recognised for her leadership at LASPNET and her long-standing commitment to expanding access to justice through legal aid services.

ULS Chief Executive Officer Christine Awori reminded participants that the legal profession’s pursuit of justice often demands courage and sacrifice.

“The pursuit of liberty and human rights often demands courage and sacrifice,” she said.

The Radical New Bar Live session concluded with a renewed call from participants for the release of all political prisoners.