Uganda Law Society Bans 'My Lord' Titles, Courtroom Bowing in Decolonisation Push
The society said the changes will replace feudal courtroom customs with plain titles and a 90-day consultation on broader judicial reforms.
- On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde issued an executive order abolishing colonial-era courtroom honorifics like "My Lord" and prohibiting bowing before judicial officers.
- Operating from exile, Ssemakadde enacted the directive to dismantle what he describes as "theatrical props of elitism" that force Ugandans into "postures of humiliation."
- Under the new rules, advocates must address judicial officers plainly as "Mr. Justice," "Madam Justice," or "Judge" while standing upright to "speak as free citizens" during court proceedings.
- Although the "Abolition of Colonial Court Culture" directive takes immediate effect for ULS members, it does not automatically amend courtroom procedures across Uganda.
- The Bar announced a 90-day national consultation to review the continued use of colonial wigs, gowns, and foreign legal language, aiming to better reflect Uganda's history and service standards.
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Uganda Law Society abolishes use of My Lord, My Lady, bans bowing to judges
This is his latest attempt to change what he calls the colonial structure of Uganda's justice system. The post Uganda Law Society abolishes use of My Lord, My Lady, bans bowing to judges appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Uganda Law Society Bans 'My Lord' Titles, Courtroom Bowing in Decolonisation Push
Nairobi -- The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has ordered its members to immediately abandon colonial-era courtroom traditions, including addressing judicial officers as "My Lord," "Your Lordship," "My Lady," and "Your Worship," as part of a sweeping drive to decolonise the country's legal profession.
Uganda Bar abolishes 'colonial' courtroom bow, 'My Lord' title
The National Bar Association in Uganda (otherwise known as the Uganda Law Society) has officially abolished what it labeled feudal and colonial practices in the courtrooms. A directive issued to the effect, titled ‘Abolition of Colonial Court Culture,’ coincided with the Saba Saba Day, the East African commemoration of resistance against authoritarianism. Lawyers and litigants […] Uganda Bar abolishes ‘colonial’ courtroom bow, ‘My Lord’ title
Uganda Bans Lawyers From Calling Judges ‘My Lord’ and Orders End to Courtroom Bows
Uganda Bans Lawyers From Calling Judges ‘My Lord’ and Orders End to Courtroom Bows Uganda’s judiciary has introduced new courtroom etiquette rules, banning lawyers from addressing judges as “My Lord” or “My Lady” and ordering an end to bows in court. The directive, issued by the Judiciary’s Chief Registrar, is part of efforts to modernize […] The post Uganda Bans Lawyers From Calling Judges ‘My Lord’ and Orders End to Courtroom Bows first appear…
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