Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has cleared up to UGX 29,045,860 in institutional membership fees to major regional and global legal bodies, a move seen as a decisive step in restoring confidence in a bar association that has recently been plagued by financial strain and unending wrangles.
While delivering the Special Treasury Update: National, Regional and International Affiliation Programmes, the Radical New Bar Treasurer, Mr Isiko Arthur revealed that all dues had been paid to the East Africa Law Society (EALS), the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), and the International Bar Association (IBA) for the year 2025.
The clearance of dues, according to Isiko, means Ugandan advocates will now enjoy full access to these professional platforms, including regional conferences, international networks, and leadership opportunities. For a society that has endured internal leadership battles, financial shortfalls, and membership disillusionment, this represents a rare moment of consolidation.
The Vice President of ULS, Mr Asiimwe Anthony, welcomed the move and stressed that the payment is not just symbolic but a strategic signal that the Radical New Bar, as it has branded itself, is committed to credibility, accountability, and global engagement.
“For too long, our members questioned what value they were getting from their subscriptions. Today, we can confidently say ULS is back in the global arena, and our members will reap the benefits,” Asiimwe noted, adding that as part of this renewed engagement, Advocate Confidence Biira from the Kasese Bar will represent Uganda at the East Africa Law Society Conference in Addis Ababa, with the society covering all expenses.
Uganda Bids for Commonwealth Law Conference 2029
The Treasurer also revealed that ULS is positioning Uganda to host the Commonwealth Lawyers Association in 2029, a move expected to boost the country’s visibility as a hub for legal thought leadership in Africa.
Commenting on this development, Vice President Asiimwe commended the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) for undergirding the bid and called for national backing. “Uganda Tourism Board has agreed to support the bid, and I can assure you that as the legal fraternity will give it full backing. Hosting this conference will not only spotlight our legal profession but also boost our tourism and international image,” he said.
UTB, led by officials Paul Mugabo and Henry Bukenya from the Uganda Convention Bureau, a specialist unit that helps professional associations to attract international conferences to Uganda, explained that the bid proposal had received critical acclaim during an exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, where Commonwealth officials expressed support for Uganda as a potential host.
“We already have a competent team in place and the capacity to deliver. Uganda has the facilities, the networks, and the spirit to host such a high-level global gathering. We will ensure the Commonwealth Law Conference 2029 becomes a landmark event,” the officials said.
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