One of the few events at which such a meeting happens is at the Annual Law Conference (ALC). As organized by the bar association for lawyers in Uganda (Uganda Law Society), the conference is an annual event intended to bring all lawyers and non-lawyers to underscore the achievements of the society and its members. This year’s was the sixth conference of its kind.
The two-day event that occurred from August 24 to 25 was organized under the theme ‘Redefining legal practice in the age of disruption.’ It was intended to present an opportunity for lawyers to ‘shine a light on excellence, exemplary leadership, innovation and achievements from the bar and the bench’ according to the official website of Uganda Law Society (ULS).
This theme spoke to the day-to-day challenges faced with practicing in a modern and dynamic age of the legal profession following concerns raised by the latest technologies like ChatGPT that intend to wipe out professions by outcompeting professionals since these technologies offer seemingly cheap solutions to unsuspecting members of the public who rely on their advice like it’s the gospel truth.
It is such challenges that the ALC was aimed at curtailing. The glamorous event took place at one of Uganda’s most exquisite hotels, Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, and was attended by over 500 advocates from all corners of the country including the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, several government lawyers from the Attorney General’s office including the attorney general, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and both ULS’ incumbent and former presidents.
Much as the event was structured in such a way that it would have 33 sessions and 56 speakers discussing 15 topics within a two-day time period, it was executed with utmost precision albeit a few mistakes such as time-keeping-related issues.
The most notable speakers included Anne Juuko, the chief executive of Stanbic bank, Dr Silver Mugisha, the managing director of National Water and Sewerage Corporation, and prominent lawyers from the legal occupation like Joseph Kyazze, Jet Tumwebaze, Fred Muwema and David Mpanga.
At all times, the attendees were accorded a sumptuous lunch with a variety of options at their disposal. Among the lined-up programs of the ceremony was the intended prestigious ULS annual awards.
The society gives out awards to the most outstanding performers (both lawyers and law firms) of the year that have distinguished themselves in different areas of practice like taxation, litigation, prosecution, etc. The awards are granted in categories like Boutique Firm of the Year, Corporate Team of the Year and Distinguished Lifetime Service Award of the Year, among others.
This year’s awards were, however, adjourned to the Annual General Meeting that is slated to take place from September 29 to 30. It is now incumbent on the society to organize events of a similar fashion as this if its members are to make full attendance.
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