Uganda Law Society To Discipline Lawyers

By Edith KimuliTHE new president of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Andrew Kasirye, has vowed to discipline lawyers who take clients money and property.Kasirye was speaking at a hand over ceremony at the organisation’s offices in Kampala on Friday.“Today I attended the first Law Council as president of the Uganda Law Society and I am amazed by the level of indiscipline in our profession especially among the young lawyers.They take clients money and property. One took a mobile phone. This is the cheapest level one can come to,” Kasirye said.He said he would disband such lawyers, prosecute them and publicise them.Kasirye said his committee would consult in the normal way about the Political Organisations Act and take appropriate direction.He said the Uganda Law Society was not a political party but cannot shy away from political issues, adding that they would keep on advising government on matters of law and legislation.He said they would also play an active role in creating public awareness and disseminating to the public issues of public interest like the fundamental human rights.“We are not inventing a role for ourselves but our role is enshrined in the 1964 Act,” he said, adding that they would take their disagreements to court.He said the key issues at hand were the independence of the Judiciary and fundamental human rights. He said he would seek audience with President Yoweri Museveni to discuss some issues.Ends