The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court His Lordship Bart Katureebe has urged young lawyers to uphold and observe high ethical standards while they endeavor to serve justice.
He noted that successful lawyers must anchor their work on ethical practices and defend it at all times regardless of the other pressures.
He made the call while presiding over as chief guest at the 43rd Law Development Centre (LDC) on Friday where at least 870 law students graduated with Post Graduate Bar course, Diploma in law and Diploma in Human Rights.
“In order to stand out in the legal profession, you must keep the standards of being honest, professional, competent and ethical no matter which capacity you serve in. Bear in mind that compromising your ethics comes with a cost because someone is certainly watching,” the Chief Justice told graduates.
“Some lawyers only care about winning cases the clients even if it means obtaining evidence illegally or hiding it. But this affects your career in the long term. You could fail to be appointed to high positions if this is discovered.”
His Lordship Katureebe further stressed that outstanding lawyers pay keen attention to detail in addition to prior and thorough preparation for their cases.
He spoke against the tendencies of lawyers interfering with their clients’ resources or taking instructions and money from both sides.
“Law is about service. Therefore you must give back to the society by helping those in need through working pro bono. Volunteer to offer para-legal services to victims of social injustice.”
Francis Gimara, the newly elected President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) encouraged the graduates to work towards leaving a strong legacy in the legal profession.
“Do not be part of the societal problem but instead emulate a rich legacy like that of Joan Kagezi (RIP) who had extemporary attributes even at her young age,” Gashira remarked.
During the ceremony, Awards were given to outstanding students in the various courses. Among them were; Tusiime Angella the Best Overall Student (Bar course), Arion Gilbert as Best Overall Student (Diploma in Law) and Kato Ali Hassan as Best Counsel at LDC Moot court.
The graduation was attended by Principal Judge Justice Jotham Tumwesigye, Justice Richard Buteera, Uganda Human Rights Commission boss Meddy Kaggwa and politicians; MP Mohamed Nsereko and Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago.