Law Society Abolishes ‘My Lord’ and Courtroom Bows

​In a landmark shift aimed at dismantling colonial-era vestiges within the Ugandan justice system, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has officially issued an executive order abolishing the use of honorifics such as “My Lord,” “My Lady,” and “Your Worship” in courts. The directive, which took effect immediately upon its announcement on July 8, 2026, also explicitly prohibits lawyers from bowing or performing any other acts of “physical subservience” before judicial officers.

​A Radical Move Toward Decolonization

​The executive order, signed by ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, characterizes these traditional courtroom rituals as “theatrical props of elitism.” According to the Society, such practices have long served to artificially elevate judicial officers above the citizens they serve, effectively creating a barrier between the bench and the public.

​By mandating that advocates stand upright and address the court with more egalitarian language, the ULS seeks to reframe the legal profession as a service to the public rather than a display of feudal hierarchy. The order stipulates that:

• ​Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges should be addressed as “Mr. Justice” or “Madam Justice.”
• ​High Court judges are to be referred to as “Mr. Judge” or “Madam Judge.”
• ​Magistrates and Registrars should be addressed by their formal office or surname (e.g., “Magistrate Nakato”).

​Challenging the Status Quo

​This bold initiative arrives during a period of heightened friction between the Bar and the Bench in Uganda. Mr. Ssemakadde has been a vocal critic of what he describes as the “archaic colonial structure” of the judiciary, citing ongoing issues such as systemic bias, judicial corruption, and executive capture.

​The ULS has also announced plans for a 90-day national consultation process to further examine the continued use of colonial-era wigs, gowns, and foreign legal jargon. The society aims to work alongside citizens’ groups and legal practitioners to propose procedural reforms that better reflect Uganda’s own national identity and modern constitutional values.

ADVERTISEMENT

​A Limited Mandate

​While the directive marks a significant symbolic and professional milestone for the Ugandan legal landscape, its immediate legal reach is primarily focused on members of the Uganda Law Society. As the professional body representing advocates, the ULS has directed its members to adhere to these new standards of conduct.

​The move is expected to reignite broader debates across East Africa regarding the compatibility of inherited colonial customs with contemporary justice delivery. As practitioners adapt to these changes, the ULS maintains that its “radical but necessary” approach is essential to restoring public confidence in a judicial system that has long been accused of being unrepresentative and unresponsive to the needs of the average Ugandan.