Uganda Bar Association Bans ‘Your Lordship’ and Court Bowing in Decolonisation Drive

The Uganda Bar Association has ordered lawyers to stop bowing to judges and drop colonial-era honorifics such as “My Lord” and “Your Ladyship.” The executive order took immediate effect, coinciding with Saba Saba Day. In the directive signed by the association’s president, the Bar highlighted challenges in the judiciary, including executive interference, corruption, and undue deference reinforced by an outdated court culture. Lawyers must now address appellate judges as Mr. Justice or Madam Justice, High Court judges as Mr. Judge or Madam Judge, and magistrates as Mr. Magistrate or Madam Magistrate. The association will launch a 90-day consultation on courtroom dress, language and practices to reflect Uganda’s culture and modern justice needs.

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