Wednesday, June 8, 2026 - The Uganda Bar Association has directed lawyers across the country to stop bowing to judges and discontinue the use of colonial-era honorifics in courtrooms, saying the practices are outdated and inconsistent with a modern justice system.
The directive took immediate effect and was contained in an
executive order signed by the association’s president, Isaac Ssemakadde, on
Tuesday to coincide with Saba Saba Day, which commemorates resistance against
authoritarianism in East Africa
In the order, the association argued that Uganda’s judiciary
continues to face challenges including executive interference, prolonged delays
in the administration of justice, judicial corruption, selective justice and
attacks on legal practitioners.
It also accused the military of undermining judicial
independence through unlawful arrests, court invasions, the detention of
civilians, obstruction of lawyers and journalists, and the trial of civilians
before military tribunals. According to the association, these issues have been
reinforced by an outdated colonial court culture that places judicial officers
above ordinary citizens through compulsory displays of deference.
Under the new directive, lawyers are prohibited from bowing
or engaging in any other form of physical subservience before judicial
officers. The association also abolished the use of titles such as “My Lord”,
“Your Lordship”, “My Lady”, “Your Ladyship” and “Your Worship” in court
proceedings.
Instead, members have been instructed to address appellate
court judges as “Mr. Justice” or “Madam Justice”, High Court judges as “Mr.
Judge” or “Madam Judge”, and magistrates as “Mr. Magistrate” or “Madam
Magistrate”. Judicial officers may also be addressed by their surnames where
appropriate.
The bar association further directed lawyers and litigants
to “stand upright and speak as free citizens”, stating that members should no
longer participate in courtroom rituals that humiliate citizens while elevating
public officials. As part of the reforms, the association announced plans to
begin a nationwide consultation within 90 days to review judicial dress,
courtroom language and other court practices.
The consultation will examine the continued use of colonial
wigs, gowns and foreign-language requirements, with the aim of adopting
alternatives that better reflect Uganda’s history, climate and culture. It will
also review the judiciary’s client charter to ensure it is written in plain
language and guarantees citizens the rights to respect, timely service, access
to information and effective redress.
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