By Andante Okanya
and Justus Akampa
THE Uganda Law Society (ULS) has vowed to clean up the lawyers’ image to serve the public better.
Bruce Kyerere, the president of the society, speaking recently at the inaugural ULS open day, said the body wants to ensure that lawyers meet their obligations and stand by the ethical code.
“We want to share tips with the young lawyers. Our overall objective is to contribute to a well served public,†he said.
The open day had a session where young lawyers were oriented into the legal fraternity and mentored by senior lawyers on what is expected from them.
The ceremony was at the ULS secretariat in Kololo, Kampala. Senior lawyers like Paul Sebalu and Yusuf Kagumire were involved in the mentoring and orientation session.
The theme of the day was, ‘building an informed, active and participatory legal profession.’
Kyerere’s remarks follow complaints that un- scrupulous lawyers are fleecing their clients.
He said with the large number of fresh lawyers that enter the market, it is essential that they receive guidance on the tenets of the legal profession.
Kyerere added that the open day would be held annually to encourage more lawyers to benefit from being associated with the society.
He noted that whereas ULS is open to all practising lawyers, there is a big number that is not registered. A total of 1,500 lawyers are currently registered with ULS.
Kyerere disclosed that the ULS Act of 1964 would soon be amended to reflect the current times, adding that a team of eminent lawyers are studying it.
Stephen Tashobya, the chairperson of the legal and parliamentary affairs committee, who represented the speaker, Edward Ssekandi, as chief guest, asked lawyers to be cautious of their image.
He said the public is watching how lawyers conduct their business, and that their integrity is under scrutiny.
“Laws supply rules of conduct that guide society. Advocates must use integrity and performance to gain acceptance from the public,†Tashobya said.
He commended the society for providing free legal services to those who cannot afford to pay lawyers.