Amanze Chinonye
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has directed its members to discontinue the use of colonial-era courtroom customs, including addressing judicial officers as “My Lord,” “Your Lordship,” “My Lady,” and “Your Worship,” in a sweeping reform aimed at modernising the country’s legal profession, Prime Business Africa reports.
The directive, contained in an Executive Order titled “Abolition of Colonial Court Culture,” was issued on Tuesday by ULS President and Head of the Bar, Isaac Ssemakadde, and takes immediate effect for all members of the society.
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Under the new policy, advocates are to address judicial officers using professional titles such as “Mr Justice,” “Madam Justice,” “Mr Judge,” “Madam Judge,” “Mr Magistrate,” or by their surnames where appropriate. The order also abolishes the long-standing practice of bowing before judges and other forms of physical deference in court.
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According to the ULS, the reforms are designed to dismantle colonial traditions that place judicial officers above the citizens they serve. The society said lawyers and litigants should engage with the courts as free citizens, arguing that respect for the judiciary should be demonstrated through professionalism, ethical conduct and adherence to the rule of law rather than ceremonial rituals.
The Executive Order also launches a 90-day nationwide consultation on courtroom culture and the Judiciary’s Client Charter. The exercise will bring together members of the Bench, the Bar and civil society to examine the continued use of colonial legal wigs, gowns and foreign legal terminology, while proposing procedures that better reflect Uganda’s history, culture and contemporary justice system.
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As part of the review, the Judiciary’s Client Charter will be rewritten in plain language to make it more accessible and strengthen citizens’ rights to timely, transparent and respectful judicial services.
Although the directive applies only to members of the Uganda Law Society and does not automatically alter court rules or judicial procedures, it represents one of the most far-reaching efforts by Uganda’s legal profession to redefine courtroom etiquette and challenge colonial-era legal traditions.
The move is expected to fuel debate across East Africa and other Commonwealth countries over whether inherited courtroom customs remain compatible with modern constitutional values, judicial independence and equal access to justice.
The reforms come amid a broader push in several African countries to align public institutions with local identities while preserving the integrity and authority of the justice system.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
