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ULS Newsletter Issue 18–for the Month of September, 2012
ULS Newsletter
August 2012 Issue 17
JAMES. M. SSEBUGENYI
PRESIDENT
0772763763
STEPHEN MUSISI
VICE PRESIDENT
0772719658
[email protected], [email protected]
HARRIET MAGALA
TREASURER
0772623695
KAHUNGU TIBAYEITA
COUNCIL MEMBER
0772518098
CHEBORION BARISHAKI
REPRESENTATIVE
STELLA NYANDRIA
REPRESENTATIVE
ASSUMPTA KEMIGISHA
COUNCIL MEMBER
0772496891, 0701496890
PAUL OCHAYA
COUNCIL MEMBER
0772608531
SHABAN KULE MUZIRANSA
COUNCIL MEMBER
0772446554, 0772446544
ULS Members attend the Land Practice in Uganda: Opportunities & Challenges Workshop at Mountains
of the Moon Hotel held on 20th Sept 2012 in Fort Portal
Issue 18
ULS Newsletter Issue 18 – September, 2012
Fraternal greetings from the Uganda Law Society.
Felicitations to the Pearl of Africa on marking 50 years of Independence. 2012 is indeed a
unique year for the Uganda Law Society.
We continue to enjoy the limelight for being the voice for the voiceless in our society and the beacon of
reason on matters relating to the Rule of Law, observance of Human Rights and good governance. As I stated
in my opening remarks at the 5th
Annual Rule of Law Day, ULS will continue to push for absolute Rule of
Law, play a leading role in upholding constitutionalism and challenge all acts of repression, oppression and
lawlessness. The signs of repression are lurking in the air and it is our duty to reverse or halt them by
guiding, advising and assisting the public and Government on matters relating to law in this Country.
I thank you for your support and participation at the 5th
ULS Annual Rule of Law Event. We had another
record attendance of over 620 delegates at this symposium; another record attendance in the history of the
Uganda Law Society.
We once again thank the Honourable Justice Ogoola, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, Mr. Peter Mulira and Dr.
Miria Matembe for leading the Rule of Law Day discussions and proceedings as panelists.
September 2012 has been an eventful month. We participated in the events of the opening of the New Law
Year in the United Kingdom. This annual event sets the standards of how all New Law Years ought to be
done within the Commonwealth Countries. The Great Britain Judiciary’s pomp and class at this occasion has
maintained them as a world leader in this area.
We also were privileged to have a decent number of representatives from the Uganda Law Society
membership attending the 65th
International Bar Association Annual Conference held in Dublin, Ireland. Our
own Barnabas Tumusingize was confirmed as the incoming Co-Chair of the Africa Regional Chapter of the
International Bar Association. This position makes Uganda the current Chair of IBA in Africa. What an
honor again for Uganda and Uganda Law Society!! More will be mentioned about the IBA Conference in
this Newsletter.
The Justice, Law & Order Sector (JLOS) wherein we are a full member and part of the Steering Committee
held its 17th
Annual Review Conference. At this Conference headed by the Honourable Chief Justice, the
JLOS sector reviewed its activities for the period 2011/2012 and the ULS featured as a strong force in
supporting JLOS activities and SIP III Program. Recognition was made of our Legal Aid, Probono, CLE and
Advocacy activities.
In September, we also had the great opportunity to participate at the 16th Triennial Conference of the
Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association Conference and ably represented the ULS at all the
functions. The Uganda Judiciary which was tasked with the planning and execution of this event did a
fantastic job of showcasing Uganda’s potential and all delegates were impressed.
The ULS and the Uganda Judiciary did set Uganda high on the international scene with the Commonwealth
Magistrates and Judges Conference and the Africa Regional IBA Conference.
That said, I wish to highlight some areas of concern which have been raised by the ULS Membership and
these include:
1. CONDUCT OF SOME JUDICIAL OFFICERS
Some of our Members feel strongly that some Judicial Officers are acting contrary to their Code of
FOREWORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
ULS Newsletter Issue 18 – September, 2012
Conduct and Oath. Some Members are sighting corruption as a growing vice in our Judiciary. We call
on you to avail information we can use to “Bell the Cats” under our Bell the Cat project.
2. DISOBEYING/DISREGARD OF COURT ORDERS
This has become rampant and we have opened a Black Book at the ULS Secretariat to register all forms
of disregard so as to publicize the culprits and support actions for bringing them to book. Unfortunately
some of our very own perpetuate this vice.
3. FAILURE BY GOVERNMENT TO HONOUR COURT AWARDS
As earlier stated the Minister of Finance failed to make any provision for Court awards against
Government or its allied institutions. The outstanding amounts stand at Ugs.175 Billion and we plan to
take this matter to the Constitutional Court.
4. LACK OF SUFFICIENT JUDGES IN COURTS AND POOR REMUNERATION OF JUDGES
This as you all are aware is a top agenda item. We see lack of morale in our Judiciary and it looks like
our Judiciary has gone on a go slow strike.
5. BREACH OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
This continues on a daily basis unfortunately with some of our fellow JLOS partners from the State. We
hear of matters of torture by private individuals and public officers. The case of DESH KANANURA
torturing an employee till death shows the levels of impunity in this Country.
So much can be said in this regard but we are alive to all these matters and are taking necessary action.
The Presidency of Uganda Law Society is no simple feat. It requires commitment, time, patience, courage
and perseverance. All the above activities require one to personally handle, and achieve results.
It is our promise therefore that we shall do our best to address all the above and other matters falling within
our mandate.
Lastly, the EALS Annual Conference and General Meeting are slated for 16th
and 17th
November, 2012 at the
Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo. Kindly register and pay for the same as the ULS will be the hosting Bar
and this is an election year.
On the 19th
October, 2012 we shall have the ULS FEMALE LAWYERS COMMITTEE Dinner in honor of
Lady Justice Julia Sebutinde of the International Court of Justice. Kindly support this event by buying cards
which are going for UGX 100,000.
I end by saying this is a full time job and we appreciate your all support.
“The way to get things done is not to mind who gets credit for doing them”.
I once again thank the ULS Secretariat led by the Executive Director for the good work they do on a daily
basis to support the Executive Council.
JAMES MUKASA SEBUGENYI
PRESIDENT UGANDA LAW SOCIETY
ULS Newsletter Issue 18 – September, 2012
ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN EXPEDITING JUSTICE
Brian Kisomose
Paralegal, Legal Aid Project,
Uganda Law Society
Justice in a state is one of the signs
of democracy and rule of law with in
a nation under the judicial arm of a particular
government and it should not only be done but
manifestly be seen to be done .Technology having
taken new dimensions and advanced .The judicial
sector should adopt different modes of
technological appliances to handle matters
expeditiously which aims at justice being
administered. This is further indoctrinated under
Article 126(2)(a)(b) of the 1995 constitution of the
republic of Uganda as amended that states that,
Justice shall be done to all irrespective of their social
or economic status and shall not be delayed .
This should not only be adopted or champions by the
ministry of justice and constitutional affairs but also
other justice stake holders such as the bench, the bar,
and the coercive arms of government and trust worthy
judicial system in Uganda which should be adopted
by all courts of judicature to wit, the supreme court
,the court of appeal ,the high court and such
subordinate courts as parliament may by law establish
including qadhis courts for marriage, divorce
,inheritance of property and guardianship as may be
prescribed by parliament .This is provided for under
Article 129 of the 1995 constitution as amended .
Adoption of automated court recordings will lead to
abandoning labor intensive hands on process to more
efficient audiovisual recording in court rooms and
outside where the trial will be recorded by sound
recorders, videos taped of some cases given its nature
and evidence adduced of such nature to be
accommodated by court administration .This will
make the practice of judicial officers having to take
down notes while counsel is orally proceeding or
submitting of which the authenticity of such.
Recordings creates doubt in the minds of parties
involved in the case that the presiding judicial officer
may record what he or she feels is relevant thus higher
chances of mishandling such a case.
Adoption of such a system by the bench makes the
hearing of appeals and revision of court matters very
easy if such technology is adopted, where court
proceedings can be availed in soft copy form .This on
appeal does not require one to take time so as to
forward a file to court with typed proceedings of
which is a problem and waste of time to put such
proceedings in the typed format after trial, yet it
becomes very easy if the same can be forwarded to
relevant parties in soft copy and not hard copy
this latter enhances access to justice .
People with disabilities, such as hearing impairments,
benefit if courts adopt audio amplification devices
within court rooms since justice is for all irrespective
of some ones physical capacity. Very many miss out
on proceedings simply because they did not hear
properly .When it comes to litigation the bar should
adopt a mode of producing, sharing, searching and
retrieving all documents electronically which
significantly saves time and cannot, in any way, be
achieved in the paper world where one has to
physically move the documents from one party to
another.
Installation of internet access devices at court
premises which facilitates research and access to legal
materials on internet through various on line law
libraries. Police departments that carry out
investigations particularly the forensic section, To
avoid frivolous and vexatious charges against
accused persons .these can include finger print
detectors document cameras that capture paper and
other physical evidence and project image in the court
room that could have been captured at the scene of
crime .Some courts such as the Anti corruption court
and the high court (Commercial division) have taken
the lead among others by adopting the use of
amplification devises during court proceedings others
should also adopt the same .My humble appeal to
concerned authorities is to undertake the move to
adopt advanced technology so as to ensure
enhancement of justice and proper administration this
can be achieved by taking the bar, the bench and other
court administrators through training and awareness.
ULS Newsletter Issue 18 – September, 2012
WE CAN STILL BETTER OUR JUVENILE JUSTICE
By Masake Anthony,
Paralegal Officer
Uganda Law Society
On 24th
August 2012, the
First Lady and Karamoja
Affairs Minister Janet
Museveni chaired a
stakeholders’ meeting at
Nakasero State House and
resolved interalia to set up
an inter-agency co-
ordination team to
comprehensively tackle the street children phenomena in
the country.
Earlier this year, supported by UNICEF and implemented
by the Centre for Justice Studies & Innovations and JLOS,
a Special High Court session for child related cases in
Acholi Sub Region was conducted at Gulu High Court
recording major success in Juvenile justice. These are
commendable developments. No wonder the country
enjoys rather good juvenile rankings internationally.
Apart from ratifying various international treaties such as
the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, African
Charter on the Rights of the Child, among others, Uganda
was applauded for her efforts in respect to taking charge of
children in conflict with the law by the African Committee
of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in 2010.
Nevertheless, many children in conflict with the law still
find it hard to access justice.
In Uganda, Children in conflict with the law are often kept
in adult prison facilities and Kampiringisa National
Rehabilitation Centre which is a gazetted place for
detention, rehabilitation and retraining of children aged
between 12 and 18 has a history of holding young people
who are vagrant, street children or runaways before they
are resettled.
Many criminal cases such as affray, common assault,
actual bodily harm, theft, malicious damage etc involving
children continue to be heard for the first time in
Magistrates courts yet the Executive Committees (Judicial
Powers) Cap 8 provides that the Village Executive
Committees shall be a court of first instance in respect of
such offences. Whether the LC Courts are dogged with
lots of shortcomings, that is the law. Better still, we can
come up with innovative ways to handle children in
conflict with the law rather than having them go through
the already congested justice system.
With the age of criminal responsibly starting at 12 years, it
is disturbing to note that less than 4% of the current
population of children ranging from 12-18 years have birth
certificates. This is so despite Uganda having legal
provisions for registration of births. This raises serious
concerns in relation to registration of births which directly
impacts on the success of ensuring that the ages of
children in conflict with the law are appropriately
identified thereby rendering it subjective. Authorities have
to try to contact parents who often hide for fear of being
arrested for offences allegedly committed by their
children, assess appearance and even at times check the
suspect’s teeth!
But with only four remand homes namely Mbale, Fort
Portal, Gulu and Naguru remand homes, the need to
execute or fast track certain reforms is fundamental to
advance juvenile justice in the country.
Some of the reforms include continuously improving the
efficiency of the Family and Children Court by training
magistrates and funding legal aid to enable the courts
handle all children’s cases as opposed to the High Court,
replicate special juvenile court sessions across the country,
utilize LC courts as courts of first instance in the specified
criminal charges, keep street children who are in need of
care and protection away from places gazetted for
detention, social welfare report should be emphasized
upon arrival at the remand home, the police should further
sensitize the community on how they operate which
should entail the fact that they don’t automatically arrest a
parent or guardian, ensure that all children in detention
receive basic educational provision like the practice in
Naguru Remand Home, expedite hearing of cases of
juveniles, and ensure that all children are promptly
resettled upon expiry of their sentence.
Clearly, some concerning elements deserve government’s
urgent attention as we seek to guarantee that the welfare of
our children who are in conflict with the law are upheld at
all times.
Twitter@masakeonlin
Email: [email protected]
ULS Newsletter Issue 18 – September, 2012
REPORT ON THE 65th
IBA CONFERENCE, DUBLIN
The Uganda Law Society was ably represented 65th IBA
Conference in Dublin. Thanks go to all those who sacrificed
and spent their resources to attend this wonderful Conference.
As you are all aware, The International Bar Association is the
global voice of the Legal Profession.
Dublin 2012 was a good experience and the Conference
offered:
Unparalleled international networking and personal
development.
A forum for dissemination of specialist information on
all areas of the law.
An opportunity to enhance your marketing message by
enabling those who attended to network with high
profile decision makers.
An enriching programme and impressive range of
sessions addressing the cutting edge issues faced by
international practitioners in the current economic
environment.
Social events with the cultural best of Dublin and
Ireland e.g. “Drinking Guinness”.
The IBA Annual Conference is a special opportunity each year
for international practitioners in every field to bring together
expertise, share perspectives and help shape the way we solve
the issues facing us as Lawyers. It is also a special opportunity
to reconnect with old friends, new friends within the global
legal profession.
Some of the topics discussed at this Conference in the various
sessions which run from 1st October to 5
th October, 2012 were:
1. A bridge over troubled waters: overcoming challenges
to the restructuring of multinational corporate groups
through new rules encouraging cross-border
cooperation of Judges, insolvency representatives and
practitioners.
2. Competition issues in regional and bilateral trade
agreements.
3. Criminal fraud and the global economic recession.
4. Functional management: non-lawyer management of
law firms – is it necessary for success in changing
times?
5. Should professional ethics regulate money laundering
lawyers?
6. The role of arbitration in banking and finance.
7. VAT – valuation, accounting, tax: three pillars of real
estate investment.
8. Women and Islam – challenges and opportunities.
9. Remedies for breach of international franchising
agreements.
10. Global warming and the environment – a challenge for
lawyers in Africa?
11. Government regulation and intervention – recent
developments and impact on employee and labour
relations.
12. Market demand – a key driver of the multidisciplinary
approach to legal services.
13. Mediator by day, arbitrator by night. So you want to
be an international adjudicator?
14. Navigating the criminal law minefield: a cautionary
tale for defence lawyers and lawyers representing
corporations.
15. The employees you really, really want to bring into the
country – corporate immigration challenges and
frustrations.
16. When the music stops: new developments in the
liability of directors and officers in and after
insolvency proceedings.
17. Choices of jurisdiction, venue and governing law in
construction contracts.
18. Family disputes involving trusts: whatever can go
wrong will go wrong.
19. A doctor’s nightmare: protection from medical
malpractice suits.
20. Are lawyer’s fees fair and reasonable in all the
circumstances?
21. Company financing: access to capital markets for
family-owned businesses.
22. Counsel conduct.
23. Is water law a sexy career for young lawyers?
24. Controversial shareholders’ meeting.
25. Governance: does the traditional partnership model
still work in a fast-changing business environment?
26. Litigation lessons for securities lawyers.
27. Attorney-client privilege: how strong is it?
28. Damages for the victims of state crimes.
29. Get your IP house in order – the what, why and how –
advising entrepreneurs closely held businesses in
setting up IP strategy.
30. Negotiated M&A transactions: the complex, troubling
provisions.
31. Public and private use of human rights: how can
advocacy of human rights best be achieved in both
spheres?
32. The role of financial institutions in the fight against
corruption – can we bank on them?
33. Whither Africa: nationalism, privatization or public-
private partnerships.
34. Enforcement of bondholders’ rights – why is
bondholder activism so rare issuers default?
35. Kidding around? Children’s rights and legal
representation.
36. People: the changing market for legal talent.
By this dissected and edited list, it is no doubt that attending
IBA Conferences is worth the money, time and investment.
The next conference will be held from 6th to 11
th October 2013
in Boston, United States of America.
In the next issue of our newsletter we will have specific
articles on some subjects/sessions attended by our colleagues
who have promised to write articles. I personally attended a
session on PARTNERS CAREERS AND WHEN AND HOW
TO RETIRE. I promise an article on this item.
James Mukasa Sebugenyi
PRESIDENT
UGANDA LAW SOCIETY
ADVOCATE, SEBALU & LULE ADVOCATES
The Land Information System (LIS) Project Update
The Land Registry within the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has maintained a manual system of
record keeping from 1908 until now. The manual system is slow to operate, laborious and unable to store large
amounts of data efficiently. Land Administration Staff spend a lot of time on mechanical, repetitive and clerical tasks
rather than liaising with Clients to answer to their needs and requirements. Prone to human error, the manual system
has experienced problems of inefficiency, inaccuracy, lack of adequate internal controls and has struggled to cope with
the recent explosion in requests for information and the registration of land transactions.
In September 2003, a decision was taken by the Ministry to begin the implementation of computerization of the Land
registry. The aim was to address the shortcomings of the manual system, restore the integrity of the Land Registry and
ensure the modernization of Land Registry operations to meet the needs of a growing economy. The computerization
of the Land Registry involves capturing information on land and land transactions and storing this data on computers
for quick retrieval and the efficient delivery of land administration services.
The Ministry engaged IGN France International to lead a Consortium with support from the World Bank for the
Design, Supply, Installation, Implementation of the Land Information System and Securing of Land Records
(DeSILISoR) Project. The project commenced February 2010 and is being piloted in Kampala, Jinja, Mukono,
Wakiso, Masaka and Mbarara. The cadastral maps have now been computerized, the aerial photography of the project
area to provide a base map has been finished and the computerization of titles is nearing completion.
▪ Leasehold and Freehold Titles have now been computerized and are now available for the recording of transactions.
However it will take 8-10 working days to retrieve these titles and complete the registration of a submitted transaction.
▪ Mailo Titles in Kampala Mailo Registry for Busiro, Butambala, Gomba, Kibuga, Kyadondo and Mawokota have
been computerized and are now available for the registering of transactions. Again it should be noted that it will take
8-10 working days to retrieve these titles and process a transaction.
▪ Mailo Titles in Mukono Land Office for Bugerere, Buvuma and Kyaggwe have also been computerized and it shall
take 8-10 working days to retrieve these titles and process a transaction.
▪ Mailo Titles in Masaka Land Office for Buddu, Kabula, Kooki, Ssese, and Mawogola are currently being
computerized; however it shall take 21 working days to retrieve these titles to complete a transaction.
The Ministry assures the public that the computerisation of land administration services currently being implemented
is running according to schedule and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2013. The time delay
between submission and processing of transactions will gradually be shortened with effect from October 2012. Once
fully installed the new Land Information System will: 1) significantly reduce the time required to check and update
land titles; 2) enhance the security of the land registration process; and 3) reduce corruption related tendencies
associated with checking, updating and transferring land titles.
For more information or to check or update your land title please visit the Land Registry and speak with a
representative of MLHUD at the Reception Centre within the Mailo Registry. Kindly ensure that all requests and
payments are properly receipted and please be careful to retain this documentation for future reference.
For additional information, please visit the following websites: www.mlhud.go.ug and www.lis-uganda.go.ug
Dennis Obbo
Spokesperson
Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD)
ULS Newsletter Issue 18 – September, 2012
Background
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau is an autonomous statutory body established under the Uganda
Registration Services Bureau Act, Chapter 210 Laws of Uganda 2000 edition. The Bureau was created to take
over the functions of the Registrar General’s Office under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The Bureau is a key stakeholder in facilitating private sector development through offering registration
services of Business Enterprises, Intellectual Property Rights, Civil Registrations and in Liquidation of
Companies while acting as the Official Receiver. We as Uganda Registration Services Bureau commit to
deliver our mandate in an efficient and effective manner with emphasis on customer focused service delivery.
Procedures for registering a Company
The Bureau is obliged to offer the above services to clients and the requirements for registering a Company
are hereby stated:
1. Make an application for reservation of name.
The form for reservation of name can be picked from the business registry or downloaded from the URSB
website www.ursb.go.ug
Upon payment of the required fee, the suggested name is subjected to a search in the business registry
database.
Once the name passes the similarity, defensive, offensive, desirability test then it is reserved.
Validity of a reserved business name last for a period of 30 days
2. Fill in the required documents for registering a Company
a). Memorandum and Articles of Association; The Memorandum of Association must state the following:
Name of the company
Address
Object clause
Share capital
Class, value and number of shares
Subscribers, their occupation, postal address and the number of shares subscribed, in case of a
company limited by shares
Provision for the signature
Must be dated and witnessed
Where the subscriber to the Memorandum is a corporate entity, the seal of the company be appended
The Articles of Association provide the following information:
They set down the rules that govern the internal management of the company
Must be signed by the subscribers
Must state the subscribers names, occupation and address
Must be dated and witnessed
b). Company Form A1- Statement of Nominal capital; this form is mandatory at the initial registration of the
company and it should provide the following information:
It must state the share capital, number and class of shares and the value of the shares
It must be dated and endorsed by the person filling it in
It must be witnessed
ULS Newsletter Issue 18 – September, 2012
c). Company Form A2 - Declaration of compliance with the requirements of the Companies Act Cap 110.
This form is mandatory and it is a requirement that it signed by the declarant, dated and must be witnessed by
a Commissioner for oaths.
d). Once payment of the necessary fees is done at a designated bank of a client’s choice and the documents
together with receipts are presented to the business registry, the registration process can then begin.
The cost for registration of a company The cost for registration of companies depends on the share capital. A breakdown of the different fees charged
is as below: (for other types of companies please check the website)
Reservation of name – 25,000/=
Registration Fees - 50,000/=
Stamp duty - 0.5% for nominal share capital
Stamp duty on Memorandum and Articles of Association - 35,000/=
Filing fee - 25,000/=
Form A1 and A2 - these are free of charge and are obtained from the Uganda Bookshop
located on floor 6 of the bureau
Form 7 - 20,000/=
Form 8 - 20,000/=
Form A9 - 20,000/=
Resolutions - 20,000/=
Certification fees 25,000/=
Please note: these fees are exclusive of bank charges
Benefits of company registration
There are several benefits to be accrued from company registration some of which include:
Limited liability – on registration the company becomes a separate legal entity from the owners
Professionalism and prestige – a limited company is a legally established and regulated entity. The law
required that it be registered. This often inspires confidence in customers that may not be present
when dealing with sole traders
Raising money – it may be easier to acquire large amounts of credit from Banks. Although they cannot
offer shares publically, private limited companies can still money through the transfer of shares.
Continuity – being a separate legal entity it keeps going indefinitely regardless of who owns or directs
it. This can be an advantage where ownership or control is going to change
Management of the company can be undertaken by the appointed Board of Directors
It also helps make a company compete favourably especially in the bidding for contracts in the
business market
For more information on registration of businesses, civil matters and intellectual property registration contact
us on the address below:
Uganda Registration Services Bureau Plot 5, George Street, Georgian House,
P.O.Box 6848, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 233 219, +256 414 235 915 Fax: +256 414 257 279, +256 414 250 712
Email: [email protected] Website: www.ursb.go.ug
ULS – SEPTEMBER IN PICTURES
ULS Members attending the seminar in Fort Portal on the 20th
September 2012 at Mt of the Moon Hotel
Members share a light moment at the ULS Members’ Cocktail
at the ULS Gardens on the 21st September 2012
Members being served at the ULS Cock tail
ULS Newsletter Issue 18 – September, 2012
The ULS Female Lawyers’ Dinner in Honour of Justice Julia Sebutinde
By Ruth Sebatindira Chair, Female Lawyers Committee Uganda Law Society
It is that time of the year when we have to honour a woman lawyer trailblazer. Lady Justice Julia Sebutinde became a member of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 6th February, 2012 and she is also the first African woman to be elected to the ICJ.
The process leading up to her election had many of us a little on the edge till we heard she had triumphed. The Honorable Judge’s triumph symbolizes optimism, aspiration and ambition to the rest of us.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN) whose role is to settle legal disputes between States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies. The Court is composed of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.
What a symbol of trust by an international system, in one of our very own!
Talking to a number of women lawyers, there is no doubt that the accomplishments of Honourable Justice Julia Sebutinde have inspired many of us so powerfully, to be relentless, to push our boundaries and to think of the unthinkable.
The Uganda Law Society Female Lawyers will continue, on annual basis to honour and celebrate achievements of women lawyers who have pushed boundaries, excelled in the legal profession, opened doors for other women lawyers or inspired other women lawyers to succeed.
Please do us the honour of attending the dinner to be held on 19th October, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Serena Hotel Kampala.
Purchase your dinner cards from the Uganda Law Society Secretariat.
ULS Newsletter Issue 18 – September, 2012
UPCOMING CLE EVENTS
ACTIVITY DATE CLE POINTS FEE
Female Lawyers Dinner 19th October 2 100,000/=
Practice Management - Kampala 13th -14th Nov 10 200,000/=
Practice Management - Gulu 15th November 5 100,000/=
EALS Conference and AGM 16th -17th Nov 10 USD $ 200
Retirement Benefits Law 29th November 5 100,000/=
CLE MANAGEMENT
1. Members MUST acquire the statutory minimum 20 hours before or by 31
December of each year;
2. There shall be no grace period or remedial courses next year;
3. CLE Compliance Notices/Certificates shall be signed and issued by the Secretary
Law Council;
4. Applications or Requests for accreditation of Courses/Seminars conducted by
other institutions shall be addressed and submitted to the Law Council;
5. Applications or Requests for exemption from CLE Compliance shall be
submitted to the Law Council for Consideration; and
6. This is the time to apply for inspection of chambers
ABOUT ULS The Uganda Law Society (ULS) is a body corporate established by the Uganda Law
Society Act (Cap 276) with statutory objectives among others to improve professional
standards of its members, and promoting human rights and rule of law in Uganda.
HUMOUR
My Generous Lawyer My lawyer is very generous; he makes large donations to every possible charity. And to prove that he doesn't do it for the glory, he makes the gifts anonymously--he won't even sign the checks!
Contributions to Charity A volunteer worker noticed that the most successful lawyer in the whole town hadn't made a charity contribution. This guy was making about $600,000 a year so the volunteer thought, "Why not call him up?" And so he did: "Sir, according to our research you haven't made a contribution to our charity, would you like to do so?" The lawyer responds, "A contribution? Does your research show that I have an invalid mother who requires expensive surgery once a year just to stay alive?" The worker is feeling a bit embarrassed and says, "Well, no sir, I'm..." "Does your research show that my sister's husband was killed in a car accident? She has three kids and no means of support!" The worker is feeling quite embarrassed at this point. "I'm terribly sorry..." "Does your research show that my brother broke his neck on the job and now requires a full time nurse to have any kind of normal life?" The worker is completely humiliated at this point. "I am sorry sir, please forgive me..." "If I don't give them anything, so why should I give it to you!"
