Former prime minister Amama Mbabazi was among several prominent lawyers recognized by the Uganda Law Society (ULS) for his distinguished service to the law profession in the country.
Mr Mbabazi was alongside others such as Foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa awarded the title of senior counsel. The title is awarded to senior advocates who serve for more than 10 years without any corruption allegations brought against them. They were recognized at the ULS Annual Awards Gala held on Wednesday at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
Among those recognised were Prof Frederick Ssempebwa, Justice Remmy Kasule, former Attorney General Fred Ruhindi, outgoing ULS President Francis Gimara, and former head Ruth Sebatindira, among others.
Others were John Katende, Allan Senkatuuka, Yusuf Kagumire, Joseph Byarugaba, John Mary Mugisha, Dr Harriet Musoke, Moses Adriko, Oscar Kihiika, Deo Nkuzingoma, Ssebugenyi Mukasa, Bruce Kyerere, Lule Godfrey, Kiddhu Makubuya, Peter Nyombi, and Nkambo Mugerwa.
Speaking at the event, Chief Justice Bart Katureebe urged the award recipients to nurture and guide young lawyers to desist from corruption.
“You shouldn’t be distructed by this achievement but you should continue giving the clients the work they deserve,” Justice Katureebe said.
On behalf of the senior counsels, Mr Mbabazi advised the public to stop looking at Attorney Generals as political appointees but they should look at them as any other officer of court who is working towards fostering the rule of law in the country. Mr Mbabazi has been a member of the Uganda Law Society since 1977.
