Deputy CJ Kawumi implores lawyers to provide pro bono services
The Deputy Chief Justice urged lawyers to adopt innovative and solution-oriented approaches when handling legal disputes, instead of exacerbating problems or taking advantage of communities' limited understanding of the law for financial gain.
The Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda, Hon. Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, has challenged law firms in northern Uganda to provide more pro bono legal services to communities. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)
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GULU – The Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda, Hon. Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, has urged law firms in northern Uganda to increase their provision of pro bono legal services to communities in an effort to reduce the region's growing case backlog.
According to the April 2026 court report, the Gulu court currently has a total of 1,857 cases, with 946 of these classified as backlogged. Among the total cases, 790 are land disputes, which account for 42.5 percent of the overall caseload. This number has significantly decreased from 3,850 cases, reflecting a 51.8 percent reduction, or 1,993 cases cleared.
Justice Kawumi suggested that every law firm should strive to provide free legal assistance to at least four individuals each year.
He argued that collective efforts among lawyers could make a substantial difference for vulnerable communities that struggle to access justice.
“If all the law firms in Gulu provided pro bono services to just four people, imagine the number of lives we could change,” Justice Kawumi stated.
He made this appeal on Tuesday, August 25, while opening a two-day Court of Appeal session at the Gulu High Court Circuit.
He particularly called on law firms to consider community cases, including land disputes, as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Justice Kawumi also appealed to senior advocates to mentor young lawyers, warning that failure to nurture the next generation could undermine the future of the legal profession.
“If you senior lawyers do not mentor those who follow in your footsteps, the future of the profession may be compromised,” he said.
29 Criminal Appeals Before Court
The Court of Appeal session in Gulu is hearing 29 criminal appeals, including cases involving aggravated defilement and murder. Some of the appeals date as far back as 2010.
The cases are being heard by a three-member panel comprising Lady Justice Eva Luswata, Justice Dr Asa Mugenyi, and Justice Musa Ssekaana.
A report presented to the court showed that only 18 of the 29 appellants were present. The remaining appellants had either been released from prison or had died.
He expressed optimism that the construction of the Court of Appeal premises in Gulu City would be completed by May 2027.
He said the facility would enable more cases from Northern Uganda to be handled locally, reducing the burden on litigants who have had to travel to other parts of the country to pursue justice.
'Call for Mentorship'
Paul Julius Layoo, a law lecturer at Gulu University and practising lawyer in Gulu, welcomed Justice Kawumi’s call for mentorship.
Experienced lawyers, he said, have an important role to play in shaping young practitioners and ensuring continuity in the legal profession.
He said he has been encouraging young law graduates to first enrol at the Law Development Centre and has continued to support them as they develop their careers.
The two-day appeal hearing, which commenced Tuesday, is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday.