Uganda Law Association bans bowing to judges and saying ‘your lordship’ honorifics in decolonisation drive

The Uganda Bar Association has directed lawyers across the country to stop bowing to judges and discontinue the use of colonial-era honorifics in courtrooms, saying the practices are outdated and inconsistent with a modern justice system.

The directive took immediate effect and was contained in an executive order signed by the association’s president, Isaac Ssemakadde, on Tuesday to coincide with Saba Saba Day, which commemorates resistance against authoritarianism in East Africa.

In the order, the association argued that Uganda’s judiciary continues to face challenges including executive interference, prolonged delays in the administration of justice, judicial corruption, selective justice and attacks on legal practitioners.

It also accused the military of undermining judicial independence through unlawful arrests, court invasions, the detention of civilians, obstruction of lawyers and journalists, and the trial of civilians before military tribunals. According to the association, these issues have been reinforced by an outdated colonial court culture that places judicial officers above ordinary citizens through compulsory displays of deference.

Under the new directive, lawyers are prohibited from bowing or engaging in any other form of physical subservience before judicial officers. The association also abolished the use of titles such as “My Lord”, “Your Lordship”, “My Lady”, “Your Ladyship” and “Your Worship” in court proceedings.

Instead, members have been instructed to address appellate court judges as “Mr. Justice” or “Madam Justice”, High Court judges as “Mr. Judge” or “Madam Judge”, and magistrates as “Mr. Magistrate” or “Madam Magistrate”. Judicial officers may also be addressed by their surnames where appropriate.

The bar association further directed lawyers and litigants to “stand upright and speak as free citizens”, stating that members should no longer participate in courtroom rituals that humiliate citizens while elevating public officials. As part of the reforms, the association announced plans to begin a nationwide consultation within 90 days to review judicial dress, courtroom language and other court practices.

The consultation will examine the continued use of colonial wigs, gowns and foreign-language requirements, with the aim of adopting alternatives that better reflect Uganda’s history, climate and culture. It will also review the judiciary’s client charter to ensure it is written in plain language and guarantees citizens the rights to respect, timely service, access to information and effective redress.