Lawyers under their umbrella body Uganda Law Society (ULS) have instructed its members to stop addressing judges as “My Lord” or “My Lady” and abandon the longstanding practice of bowing before them.
In the directive, ULS President Isaac Semakadde argued that such feudal and colonial honorifics elevate judicial officers above citizens who are in reality their employers.
He further said the archaic colonial structure has contributed to the failure of Uganda’s judicial system adding that the colonial courtroom practices has forced Ugandans into postures of humiliation as the powerful enjoy comfort and deference.
“The practice of bowing or any other form of physical subservience before judicial officers is henceforth prohibited for all members of the Uganda Law Society,” ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde said.
“As part of reforms aimed at decolonising justice and restoring dignity to the people, lawyers should stop addressing judges and magistrates with titles such as “My Lord”, “Your Lordship”, “My Lady” and “Your Worship”,”he stressed.
He instead instructed lawyers to use plain forms of address such as “Mr Justice”, “Madam Justice”, “Mr Judge”, “Madam Judge”, “Mr Magistrate” or simply refer to judicial officers by their surnames where appropriate.
The proposal to have this immediate change made Uganda Law Society (ULS) celebrates its 70th anniversary with a year-long program of events culminating in a major commemoration. Driven by President Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde’s “Radical New Bar,” the anniversary highlights 70 years of resisting lawlessness and defending the rule of law, featuring regional legal forums, advocacy campaigns, and legal actions.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) was established on December 27, 1956, by an Act of Parliament. As the national Bar Association, it is mandated by the Uganda Law Society Act (Cap 276) to uphold professional standards, regulate the legal profession, and promote access to justice in Uganda.
Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye said Uganda Law Society has no authority to tell judges “what to do or say” and would continue to “demand the known decorum” from lawyers.
Ereemye, the judiciary spokesperson, said the courts were an independent arm of government and could not be instructed by any outside body.
Across Africa, lawyers and other legal practitioners have long debated whether colonial-era courtroom traditions, including wigs and robes, should be abandoned as part of broader efforts to reform judicial systems.
In 2011, Kenya’s then-Chief Justice Willy Mutunga criticised the judges’ dress code and chose to take his oath of office in a suit.
Similar debates have emerged in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Ghana, where critics argue that some colonial-era court practices and attire are no longer appropriate for modern Africa.
