Chief Registrar Alum Challenges 90 New Advocates to Champion Integrity

Chief Registrar Agnes Alum has officially welcomed 90 new advocates to the Courts of Judicature, urging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Speaking at the enrolment ceremony in Kampala, Alum stressed that restoring public confidence in the legal profession hinges on lawyers prioritizing ethical conduct and the pursuit of justice over personal gain.

Alum highlighted that negative perceptions of lawyers often stem from a decline in integrity and inadequate professional guidance. She called upon the newly admitted advocates to actively seek mentorship from seasoned practitioners, engage in continuous professional development, and embrace honesty, diligence, transparency, and compassion as core tenets of their practice.

The Chief Registrar outlined the three fundamental duties of an advocate: to the court, to the client, and to the community, asserting that the duty to the court must always take precedence. She encouraged thorough preparation for legal proceedings and a commitment to impartial justice, referencing Article 126(2) of the Constitution, which mandates substantive justice without undue regard to technicalities or discrimination.

While acknowledging the duty to represent clients diligently, Alum cautioned against compromising justice for favourable outcomes. She urged the new lawyers to remain truthful, adhere to ethical obligations, and not hesitate to decline representation if a client’s interests clash with their duty to the court. Furthermore, she encouraged them to leverage their legal skills to advance social justice through pro bono services and community outreach.

Representatives from the Law Council and the Uganda Law Society echoed these sentiments, reminding the advocates of their lifelong commitment to ethics and accountability. They emphasized compliance with continuing legal education requirements, proper chamber practices, and safeguarding client funds as crucial elements of professional conduct. The overarching message was clear: the integrity and ethical behavior of these new legal professionals will be instrumental in rebuilding and sustaining public trust.

Source: Nile Post