Chief Registrar urges 90 newly enrolled advocates to uphold integrity

What the report says

Chief Registrar Agnes Alum has called on 90 newly enrolled advocates to make ethics, professionalism and justice the foundation of their legal careers, saying strong integrity is needed to help rebuild public confidence in Uganda’s legal profession. She made the remarks on Thursday during the enrolment ceremony at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala.

According to Nile Post, Alum told the new lawyers that the legal profession has been affected by public distrust and negative perceptions, which she linked in part to weak integrity and limited professional guidance. She urged them to seek mentorship from experienced practitioners, continue their legal education and practice with honesty, diligence, competence, transparency and compassion. She also stressed that an advocate’s responsibilities extend to the court, the client and the wider community, with the duty to the court taking priority.

Alum further encouraged the advocates to support impartial justice, avoid putting client interests ahead of legal and ethical obligations, and be willing to decline cases where conflicts arise. She also suggested they contribute to social justice through pro bono work and community outreach, especially for people who cannot afford legal services.

Other officials at the ceremony reinforced similar messages. Law Council representative Patience Biira outlined compliance requirements such as annual continuous legal education, approved chamber training, courtroom dress standards and conflict-of-interest rules. Uganda Law Society Treasurer Arthur Isiko said the conduct of the new lawyers will matter in efforts to restore confidence in the profession.