Lawyers get WhatsApp-based AI legal research tool
Kiryabwire noted that the Judiciary had also introduced artificial intelligence-powered tools, including upgraded legal research platforms, a judgment-writing tool and TurboScribe, which provides real-time transcription of court proceedings.
Court of Appeal Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire cuts the ribbon during the launch of a WhatsApp-based Artificial intelligence (AI) legal research tool. (Credit: Barbra Kabahumuza)
Ugandan lawyers, judicial officers, legal researchers, and law students can now use a WhatsApp-based artificial intelligence (AI) tool to access court decisions and legislation, aimed at simplifying legal research and legal document preparation.
The platform is designed to provide users with access to Ugandan legislation, case law and other legal resources through a WhatsApp chatbot, allowing them to ask legal questions in ordinary language and receive responses supported by references to legal authorities.
Speaking at the launch, Court of Appeal Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire said the adoption of technology in legal practice was necessary as the Judiciary and the legal profession continued transitioning from paper-based processes to digital systems.
Kiryabwire, who was the chief guest at the event, said the Judiciary had made progress in integrating technology into court operations, particularly through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), which was launched in March 2022.
He said the system was intended to support the entire court process, from filing cases and conducting hearings to execution of court decisions, although its implementation across the country was still ongoing.
Kiryabwire noted that the Judiciary had also introduced artificial intelligence-powered tools, including upgraded legal research platforms, a judgment-writing tool and TurboScribe, which provides real-time transcription of court proceedings.
He revealed that the Judiciary Council had approved the Judiciary Information and Communications Technology Policy 2026, which, for the first time, recognises and defines artificial intelligence within the Judiciary's ICT framework.
He said the Judiciary was also considering upgrading ECCMIS to incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities.
Kiryabwire urged lawyers to embrace technological developments while ensuring that the legal profession maintained the necessary regulatory and professional safeguards
He said the legal profession needed to work closely with the Judiciary to address concerns surrounding privacy, constitutional rights, due process and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
"Legal frameworks always have to catch up with innovation," Kiryabwire said, noting that technological developments often move faster than the laws regulating them.
PM Digital Law Hub launched the tool, known as PM Law AI, on October 30, 2026, at Fairway Hotel in Nakasero, Kampala, under the leadership of its executive director, Dr Paul Mukiibi.
AI in legal practise
The launch also featured a keynote address by Naomi Thompson, the managing director of Catalynt, who spoke about promoting responsible and ethical adoption of artificial intelligence in legal practice.
Thompson cautioned lawyers against relying entirely on AI-generated responses without independently verifying the information and legal authorities provided.
She said artificial intelligence could assist with legal research, document preparation and analysis but could not replace the professional judgment and expertise required of lawyers.
Thompson cited cases in South Africa where courts had encountered fabricated legal authorities in submissions believed to have been generated using artificial intelligence.
She said lawyers remained responsible for verifying the authenticity of cases, legislation, citations and the legal principles relied upon in their work.
She outlined a framework she called PAUSE, urging legal professionals to consider the purpose of using AI, accountability for its output, understanding its limitations, safeguards for confidential information and verification of evidence.
Mukiibi said PM Law AI was developed in response to the growing use of artificial intelligence in the legal profession and the need for tools that address Uganda's legal environment.
He said the platform was built around Ugandan legal jurisprudence to provide relevant legal information while reducing the risk of fabricated authorities.
During a demonstration, Jeremy Andre, the founder of Agentik, the technology company involved in developing the platform, explained how users could submit legal questions through WhatsApp and receive responses supported by references to legislation and court decisions.
He said the system had indexed more than 1,600 Ugandan legal documents, with plans to expand its database.
Andre said users could also request explanations of legal provisions, ask the platform to analyse legal documents and generate draft documents.
He explained that users could access the authorities supporting an answer and read the underlying legal sources to verify the information provided.
During the demonstration, a participant asked the platform to identify the most recent Court of Appeal judgment by Justice Kiryabwire.
The system identified a judgment involving MTN and Easy Money but indicated that further verification was necessary to establish whether it was his most recent decision.
Tech part of legal practice
The Uganda Law Society vice-president, Anthony Asiimwe, welcomed the development, saying technology was increasingly becoming part of legal practice and could improve legal research, document preparation and access to justice.
Asiimwe said digital transformation was among the key priorities of the Uganda Law Society's leadership under President Isaac Ssemakadde.
He urged advocates to explore the new platform while maintaining professional ethics, protecting clients' confidential information and verifying AI-generated content.
He also encouraged lawyers to participate in discussions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the legal profession.
Law students can now use a WhatsApp-based artificial intelligence (AI) tool to access court decisions and legislation, aimed at simplifying legal research and legal document preparation.