The Masaka High Court Resident Judge, Justice Fatuma Nanziri, has cautioned advocates to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct, warning that unlicensed legal practice is undermining justice delivery and tarnishing the reputation of the legal profession. Speaking as Guest of Honour at the Second Greater Masaka Annual Legal Awards Dinner organized by the Greater Masaka Court Reporters Guild (GMCRG), Justice Nanziri stressed that courts continue to suffer avoidable delays because some advocates appear without valid practising certificates.
Justice Nanziri described the trend as “disheartening,” noting that sending unqualified or uncertified lawyers to court not only harms clients but also jeopardizes the careers of young advocates. She revealed that she had been forced to stand over a matter three times after discovering that the appearing counsel lacked a practising certificate, a situation that leaves judicial officers with no option but to adjourn cases. She urged heads of law firms to take responsibility by deploying only duly certified advocates, emphasizing that adherence to procedure is the backbone of justice.
While commending GMCRG for recognizing legal excellence, Justice Nanziri encouraged advocates to cultivate a culture of appreciation within the profession, noting that recognition motivates diligence and teamwork. She underscored the need for stronger collaboration among the judiciary, lawyers, and journalists, saying meaningful justice delivery in Greater Masaka depends on mutual respect and cooperation among all stakeholders in the law and order sector.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) Vice President, Anthony Asiimwe, represented by Masaka Chapter President Counsel Alexander Lule, praised journalists for their role in reporting justice-related matters and enhancing public accountability. He noted that professional collaboration between the Bar and the media promotes transparency and public confidence in the justice system. GMCRG Team Leader Malik Fahad Jjingo added that the annual awards were established to recognize excellence in legal practice while promoting responsible court reporting in the region.
The awards ceremony honored outstanding advocates, with John Baptist Kawanga named Senior Lawyer of the Year 2025 for his three decades of practice and mentorship, while Dorah Kimani received Female Lawyer of the Year for her dedication to legal aid and juvenile justice. Alexander Lule was recognized as Human Rights Defender of the Year, and Sam Ssekyewa scooped Outstanding Lawyer of the Year, with his firm, Ssekyewa, Matovu & Co. Advocates, crowned Leading Law Firm of the Year.
