Masaka High Court has cautioned lawyers over declining ethical standards, with Justice Fatuma Nanziri urging law firms to ensure only qualified advocates appear in court.
Justice Nanziri spoke as Guest of Honor at the Second Edition of the Greater Masaka Annual Legal Awards Dinner, organized by the Greater Masaka Court Reporters Guild (GMCRG) at Maple Leaf Hotel in Masaka City.
She expressed concern that some advocates operate without practicing certificates, a practice that undermines young lawyers’ careers and the integrity of the legal profession.
‘Our profession is designed in a way that we follow procedure in handling matters. Unfortunately, some young lawyers are sent to the High Court without a practicing certificate. This affects their name as well as that of the firm. Let us try to remain professional. I had to stand over a matter for three times because the lawyer appeared without a practicing certificate,” she said on Tuesday.
Justice Nanziri also applauded GMCRG for organizing the awards program, which she said encourages lawyers to appreciate their peers across all levels of practice.
The Vice President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Anthony Asiimwe, whose remarks were delivered by ULS Masaka Chapter President Alexander Lule, commended journalists for promoting transparency and accountability in the justice system.
‘The collaboration between the media and the Bar enhances transparency and accountability in society. I also appreciate journalists for taking a lead in enhancing the relationship between the advocates, judiciary and the press in the region,’ he said.
Esther Namugwe, Head of Research at GMCRG, said the annual awards recognize excellence within the legal profession and promote responsible court reporting in the Masaka region.
‘This program is intended to appreciate exceptional lawyers and highly performing advocates, law firms in the various aspects of legal practice within the Greater Masaka region. The initiative also strengthens cooperation between journalists and legal practitioners in the administration of justice,’ she said.
In the awards, John Baptist Kawanga of Kawanga and Kasule Advocates and Legal Consultants was named Senior Lawyer of the Year 2025 for over three decades of legal practice, mentoring young advocates, and handling complex litigation up to the Supreme Court.
Dorah Kimani of Justice Centers Uganda was named Female Lawyer of the Year 2025 for her work in legal aid, representing indigent clients and juvenile offenders.
Alexander Lule received the Human Rights Defender of the Year 2025 award for his consistent advocacy and leadership during the lawyers’ strike protecting economic rights.
Sam Ssekyewa of Ssekyewa, Matovu and Co. Advocates won Outstanding Lawyer of the Year 2025, while his firm was named Leading Law Firm of the Year 2025 for its strong advisory and litigation work in Masaka and Kampala.
‘We give it our all when handling cases to ensure our clients are satisfied. We carry out proper analysis and assessment of cases to determine whether they are worth pursuing in court, and where a matter lacks merit, we advise our clients accordingly, that might be the reason for us standing out,’ Ssekyewa said after receiving the awards.