The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has directed its members to stop addressing judges as “My Lord,” “Your Lordship” or “My Lady” and to discontinue the practice of bowing in court, describing the customs as outdated traditions inherited from the colonial legal system.
Under Executive Order RNB No. 12 of 2026, advocates are now required to address judicial officers using the titles “Justice,” “Judge” or “Your Honour,” depending on the level of court.
The directive also instructs lawyers not to bow to judges when entering or leaving courtrooms.
According to the Uganda Law Society, the reforms are intended to promote equality, professionalism and mutual respect within the country’s justice system while aligning courtroom practice with constitutional values.
The society argues that the traditional forms of address and courtroom bows reinforce hierarchical distinctions rooted in the colonial legal system and are inconsistent with the principles of a modern, independent judiciary.
The new directive is expected to guide courtroom etiquette for advocates as the legal profession adopts practices the society says better reflect contemporary constitutional and judicial values.
