The Masaka High Court Resident Judge, Justice Fatuma Nanziri, has called on advocates practicing in Masaka and across the country to uphold professionalism in the execution of their duties, warning that unprofessional conduct contributes to unnecessary delays in the delivery of justice.
Justice Nanziri made the remarks while presiding as Guest of Honour at the Second Edition of the Greater Masaka Annual Legal Awards Dinner, organized by the Greater Masaka Court Reporters Guild (GMCRG) and held at Maple Leaf Hotel in Masaka City.
She expressed concern over the growing tendency of some advocates to appear in court without valid practicing certificates, describing the practice as dangerous to young lawyers, law firms, and the legal profession at large. Justice Nanziri urged proprietors of law firms to ensure that only qualified and duly certified advocates are deployed to represent clients in court.
According to the judge, sending advocates without practicing certificates to court often leaves judicial officers with no option but to stand over matters, a situation that fuels delays and contributes to the growing case backlog in the justice system. She cited an incident in which she was forced to stand over a matter three times after discovering that the advocate appearing before her lacked a valid practicing certificate.
“Our profession is designed to follow strict procedures in handling matters. Unfortunately, some young lawyers are sent to the High Court without practicing certificates. This affects their personal reputation, the image of their firms, and ultimately the entire legal profession. Let us strive to remain professional as we execute our duties,” Justice Nanziri emphasized.
She commended the Greater Masaka Court Reporters Guild for initiating the annual awards program, noting that appreciating excellence within the legal fraternity motivates practitioners to work harder and maintain high ethical standards. Justice Nanziri encouraged lawyers to cultivate a culture of recognizing one another’s efforts, including those at lower levels of practice.
She further stressed that cooperation among the judiciary, advocates, and journalists is critical to improving service delivery in the region. “This should mark the beginning of strengthening how we serve. Without cooperation among ourselves, we cannot make Masaka better. It is unity and participation that will place Masaka in good standing,” she said.
The Vice President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Anthony Asiimwe, whose speech was delivered by the ULS Masaka Chapter President, Counsel Alexander Lule, applauded journalists for their role in reporting justice-related matters. He noted that collaboration between the media and the Bar enhances transparency and accountability in society.
“When journalists work hand in hand with the Bar and observe professionalism, it brings satisfaction to the public they serve. This partnership must continue,” Asiimwe said.
GMCRG Team Leader, Malik Fahad Jjingo, said the annual legal awards were established to recognize excellence within the legal profession and to promote responsible court reporting in the Greater Masaka region. He explained that the program also seeks to strengthen cooperation between journalists and legal practitioners in the administration of justice.
“This initiative appreciates exceptional lawyers, advocates, and law firms across various areas of legal practice. This year, we expanded the categories from two to five to make the awards more inclusive,” Jjingo noted.
Several outstanding advocates and law firms were recognized during the ceremony. Advocate John Baptist Kawanga of Kawanga & Kasule Advocates and Legal Consultants was named Senior Lawyer of the Year 2025 in recognition of his more than three decades of legal practice, mentorship of young advocates, and handling of complex litigation up to the Supreme Court.
The Female Lawyer of the Year 2025 award went to Advocate Dorah Kimani of Justice Centres Uganda for her dedication to legal aid, particularly her work representing indigent clients, prisoners in plea bargain camps, and juvenile offenders.
Advocate Alexander Lule of Xander Advocates was named Human Rights Defender of the Year 2025 for his consistent advocacy for human rights and his leadership during the lawyers’ strike aimed at protecting the economic rights of advocates.
The Outstanding Lawyer of the Year 2025 award was scooped by Advocate Sam Ssekyewa of Ssekyewa, Matovu & Co. Advocates, who was praised for his mastery of the law, tenacity in client representation, and success in handling complex electricity, arbitration, and construction disputes, including multimillion-shilling claims against government entities. His firm, M/s Ssekyewa, Matovu & Co. Advocates, was also named Leading Law Firm of the Year 2025 for its strong legal advisory and litigation practice in both Masaka and Kampala.
Speaking after receiving two awards, Advocate Ssekyewa attributed the firm’s success to dedication and disciplined legal practice. “We give our all when handling cases to ensure our clients are satisfied. We conduct proper analysis and assessment of matters and advise clients honestly where cases lack merit,” he said.
The Greater Masaka Annual Legal Awards are held annually to celebrate excellence within the legal profession while promoting ethical practice and cooperation between the media and justice institutions across the region.
The ceremony attracted judicial officers, advocates, journalists, and other stakeholders from across Greater Masaka, which comprises more than ten local governments, including Masaka City, Rakai, Kalangala, Kalungu, Kyotera, and Ssembabule, among others.
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