The Law Council of Uganda convened a two day workshop aimed at strengthening ethics and professional standards within Uganda’s legal profession. The workshop held at Mestil Hotel on 15th to 16th December, 2025, brought together key stakeholders to share best practices, address existing challenges, and explore emerging issues in disciplinary processes affecting the legal sector.
The workshop was officiated by the Chairperson of the Law Council, Lady Justice Iren Mulyagonja, who stated that the engagement was intended to enhance the capacity of the Disciplinary Committee and the Secretariat to effectively manage disciplinary matters and uphold the integrity of the legal profession. She emphasized that the forum provided an important platform for stakeholders to deliberate on best practices, challenges, and evolving trends in disciplinary mechanisms.
Lady Justice Mulyagonja underscored the central role of ethics in the legal profession and highlighted the need for a robust and efficient case management system. She noted that key recommendations from the workshop included the development of a comprehensive disciplinary procedures manual, the establishment of a robust case management system, and the provision of continuous training and capacity-building programs for members of the Disciplinary Committee.
The Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee, His Worship Mushebebe Moses Nabende, reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to implementing the workshop recommendations and promoting professionalism and ethical conduct within the legal profession. He emphasized that the workshop marked a significant milestone in strengthening professionalism and ethics and that the Law Council’s commitment to implementation would contribute to a more accountable and credible legal system in Uganda.
The workshop featured presentations from distinguished experts, including Prof. E.F. Sempebwa, Hon. Justice Boniface Wamala, Mr. Martin Mwambutsya, Director of the Directorate of Civil Litigation (representing the Solicitor General), Mr. Asimwe Anthony, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), H/W Mushebebe Moses Nabende, Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee, and Ms. Jennifer Ameo Ogol, Acting Deputy Registrar, Department of Complaints and Investigations, and Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee of the Judicial Service Commission, among others.
Presentations emphasized the importance of upholding ethical standards and ensuring fair, transparent, and reasonable disciplinary decisions. Topics discussed included an overview of the mandate and challenges of the Disciplinary Committee, ethical standards in the legal profession, disciplinary control and complaint handling, execution and appeals mechanisms, capacity strengthening for both the Committee and the Secretariat, case management techniques, emerging ethical and professional issues among practicing advocates in Uganda, and the disciplinary processes from the perspective of the Uganda Law Society.
The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen governance, ensure timely disposal of disciplinary cases, and promote professional integrity within the legal profession. The Law Council pledged to follow up on the recommendations and agreed action points, working closely with stakeholders to mobilize the necessary resources and support. Regular updates will be provided on the progress of implementation.
The workshop was attended by key stakeholders, including Justices and Judges of the Courts of Judicature, Deans of law teaching faculties in Uganda, past Presidents and members of the Uganda Law Society, Senior Management staff from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, members of the Law Council, and staff of the Law Council Secretariat.