Kampala, June 19, 2026 – The Deputy Solicitor General, Mr. Charles Ouma, has challenged graduates of the Law Development Centre (LDC) to use their legal training, technology, and alternative justice mechanisms to build a more responsive and justice-centered Uganda.
Speaking on behalf of the Attorney General during the 53rd Graduation Ceremony of the Law Development Centre in Kampala today, Mr. Ouma congratulated the graduands on reaching a significant milestone in their legal education journey and urged them to embrace the responsibility that comes with their training.
Held under the theme, “Empowered to Build a Justice-Centered Uganda through Law, Technology, ADR and Alternative Justice Systems,” the ceremony marked the graduation of a new cohort of legal professionals poised to contribute to Uganda’s justice sector and national development.
Mr. Ouma noted that while not all graduates would pursue careers as practicing advocates, the study of law equips individuals with values that transcend the legal profession.
“The study of law is intended to inculcate a sense of fairness, certainty and order within society. It prepares us for introspection into who we are as a people and how we want to relate to one another,” he said.
He emphasized that the country needs ethical and compassionate leaders who can promote justice, empathy, and social harmony. According to him, Uganda requires professionals who listen to the concerns of citizens, uphold the sanctity of life, and strengthen institutions that reflect the aspirations of the people.
Addressing the role of technology in the legal profession, Mr. Ouma encouraged graduates to embrace innovation and continuously update their knowledge in an increasingly digital world. Quoting the late Steve Jobs’ famous advice to “stay hungry, stay foolish,” he urged the graduates to remain lifelong learners.
However, he cautioned that technological advancement should always serve the broader goal of promoting justice.
“The use of technology should enhance efficiency, effectiveness and ethical practice. We must resist the temptation to misuse these tools and instead use them to improve access to justice because justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.
Mr. Ouma further reminded the graduates that technology should never replace human values and compassion in the administration of justice.
“At the core of these technological developments, we must never lose our humanity. No machine or technology should substitute our humanity,” he added.
The Deputy Solicitor General also highlighted Uganda’s growing emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Alternative Justice Systems. He cited the National ADR Policy adopted by the Government of Uganda in February 2025, which seeks to reduce court case backlogs, lower litigation costs and localize access to justice through mediation, arbitration and reconciliation.
He observed that conventional litigation often promotes a “winner-takes-all” approach that may not always foster social harmony, whereas alternative justice mechanisms offer opportunities for reconciliation and sustainable dispute resolution.
“It is through how we execute our mandate as leaders, lawyers, advocates and judicial officers that society will remember us. Let us promote a legacy of social accord and peace within our communities,” he said.
Mr. Ouma concluded by congratulating the graduates and wishing them success as they embark on the next chapter of their professional and personal lives.
The 53rd Graduation Ceremony celebrated the achievements of hundreds of graduates who have completed various legal training programmes at the Law Development Centre, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to producing legal professionals equipped to advance justice in a rapidly evolving society.