Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has abolished its traditional Annual Law Conference format and replaced it with a dynamic, tech-driven event dubbed the Radical New Bar Digital Transformation Festival, as it aims to empower legal practice in the fast-changing tech world.
Announced in the bold Executive Order RNB No. 4 of 2025, issued May 29 by ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony, the transformation of the Bar will kick off immediately with the upcoming 8th Annual Law Conference due to take place in August this year.
Asiimwe says the Order was triggered by widespread criticism of past Annual Law Conferences, which have been labeled “elitist, exclusionary, and monotonous.” The new model seeks to create an inclusive, tech-forward, and transgenerational forum capable of responding to contemporary legal and professional challenges.
“This is more than an event. It’s a rebellion against stagnation. We are building a future where legal practice is digitally native, inclusive, and accountable,” the ULS Vice President stated in the executive order.
The move, according to ULS leadership, is part of the broader Radical New Bar (RNB) Vision 2060, a campaign aimed at radically reshaping Uganda’s legal fraternity through decolonization, demilitarization, democratization, and digital innovation.
Committee Named to Lead the Festival
To fast-track the implementation of the Order, a special committee has been appointed to spearhead the inaugural festival.
Chaired by Senior Advocate Godwin Matsiko Muhwezi, the 12-member committee tasked with organizing the Tech Fest includes prominent legal professionals such as Hilda Kamugisha, Patson W. Arinaitwe, Patrick Lubwama, Joel Basoga, Hope Moureen Senoga, Patrick Mugalula, Gabriel Acaye, Nabbale Sheila Christine, Aziz Kitaka, Raymond Amumpaire, and Simon Ntegeka
The committee will be responsible for, among others, designing a tech-centric program and budget for the festival, showcasing transformative legal technologies, crafting strategies for digital adoption among lawyers, and forging strategic partnerships to enhance legal service delivery.
The executive order also named five Technical Advisors to support the Committee, namely: Egesa Ronald Leonard, Paul Mukiibi, Chris Mogal, Emma Ahabwe, and Edwin Natumanya.
Counsel Joel Basoga of H & G Advocates, who represented Tech Fest Committee Chairperson Godwin Matsiko, graciously accepted to lead the organization of this year’s ULS inaugural Tech Fest, scheduled for 14th–15th August, 2025.
“It is with profound gratitude and humility that I stand before you today to accept the honour of serving as the inaugural chairperson of the #RadicalNewBar #DigitalTransformation Festival. This appointment is not only a personal milestone but also a tremendous responsibility. I embrace it with enthusiasm and dedication,” the Chairperson noted in the verbatim remarks.
Embracing the Digital Legal Future
Asiimwe emphasized that the committee’s mandate is to deliver a groundbreaking event that sets the tone for a digital-first, inclusive legal profession in Uganda. According to the order, the event must take place from 14th to 15th August, 2025, and implementation will proceed in close coordination with the ULS Secretariat.
“This Executive Order shall take effect immediately, and all necessary actions shall be taken by the Committee in consultation with the ULS Secretariat to ensure the effective implementation of the provisions herein before the 31st day of August 2025,” Asiimwe wrote.
“Committee members are expected to uphold values of innovation, confidentiality, integrity, and service to the legal community while ensuring transparency and ethical conduct,” he added.
The Executive Order No. 4, already published on the ULS website and circulated to all members via official channels, marks the clearest commitment by the Radical New Bar to overhaul entrenched professional practices in favor of bold, participatory transformation.
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