Uganda Law Society Abolishes Colonial Court Titles and Practices

Uganda Judiciary Rejects Law Society Directive on Courtroom Titles and Bowing

Uganda's Judiciary has rejected a directive issued by the Uganda Law Society (ULS) instructing lawyers to stop addressing judges as "My Lord" or "My Lady" and to discontinue the practice of bowing before judicial officers.

The ULS said the move is part of broader reforms aimed at decolonising Uganda's justice system, arguing that colonial-era courtroom traditions undermine equality and elevate judicial officers above the citizens they serve.

In a statement signed by ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, the society described the honorifics as "feudal and colonial" and said they reinforce outdated practices that no longer reflect a modern democratic society.

The directive prohibits members of the ULS from bowing before judges and magistrates. Instead, lawyers have been advised to use neutral titles such as "Mr Justice", "Madam Justice", "Mr Judge", "Madam Judge", "Mr Magistrate" or "Madam Magistrate", and where appropriate, refer to judicial officers by their surnames.

The society also instructed advocates and litigants to stand upright while addressing the court, saying they should speak "as free citizens" rather than adopt what it called "postures of humiliation".

However, Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye dismissed the directive, saying the ULS has no authority to determine courtroom etiquette or direct judicial officers on how they should be addressed.

He maintained that Uganda's courts are an independent arm of government and would continue to require established courtroom decorum from lawyers appearing before them.

Ereemye also criticised the manner in which the directive was issued, saying such proposals should instead be discussed through the appropriate institutional channels before they can influence judicial policy.

The dispute reflects a wider debate across Africa over whether judicial systems should abandon colonial-era traditions inherited from Britain. Countries including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Ghana have all witnessed discussions over courtroom attire, wigs, robes and traditional forms of address.

In Kenya, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga made headlines in 2011 when he took his oath of office wearing a business suit instead of traditional judicial robes, arguing that the justice system should reflect contemporary African values.

The latest disagreement between Uganda's Judiciary and the Uganda Law Society adds to the ongoing conversation about modernising the country's legal system while balancing tradition, judicial authority and the dignity of court proceedings.

BBC​