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She also encouraged the young lawyers to join her in the fight against corruption, a vice she said has harmed Uganda due to a lack of patriotism
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By Our Reporter
The head of the State House Investor Protection Unit, Col. Edith Nakalema, has urged young lawyers to serve their country with integrity to help Uganda prosper. Speaking during a meeting with members of the Young Lawyers Network (YLN) at the unit’s offices in Kampala yesterday, Nakalema emphasized patriotism and integrity as critical to the country’s future. “One thing that can make Uganda a better country to live in is you, the young people who should come together, form groups, and make positive contributions to our national development,” she said.
She also encouraged the young lawyers to join her in the fight against corruption, a vice she said has harmed Uganda due to a lack of patriotism. “Corruption has eaten up this country just because people have accepted it. Even the young people who would have made this country better come with the mentality of making money. Choose to be a person who is going to refuse to be corrupt. Each one of us has a duty to fight corruption,” Col. Nakalema stated.
“You don’t have to look for money in bad ways. Serve with integrity, and you will achieve things you’ve never dreamed of. Choose to be a person with a difference, and be the change you want to see.”
Col. Nakalema assured the young lawyers that, as long as they demonstrate credibility, her agency will connect them to investors needing legal services. She mentioned that these lawyers would be listed on the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal, an online platform providing investors with access to verified information and feedback on investing in Uganda.
“Vet lawyers of integrity who know what to do and can add value. We shall add you to our platform and recommend you to investors. Many lawyers want to earn but don’t care about the quality of their work. We want to work with people who can make a positive change,” she said.
Col. Nakalema assured the young lawyers that, as long as they demonstrate credibility, her agency will connect them to investors needing legal services
Col. Nakalema also explained that the portal protects investors from exploitation and fraud. She noted that some lawyers had failed to assist investors due to unprofessional conduct. “We want credible lawyers who provide solutions. Don’t be the kind of person who waits to be told what to do daily.”
Addressing the issue of sexual harassment, Col. Nakalema advised young lawyers, especially women, to stand their ground against exploitation. “Expose those who want to exploit you, and we will deal with them,” she appealed. She also pledged support to help address the challenges faced by young lawyers.
Former Attorney General Fred Ruhindi advised the young lawyers that discipline and hard work are essential for success. “Discipline and hard work help you to set clear and realistic goals. You should also be consistent,” he said. Ruhindi also encouraged them to be honest, lead by example, and be accountable by acknowledging their mistakes and learning from them.
Ruhindi also encouraged them to be honest, lead by example
He cautioned the young lawyers against corruption, saying, “We must deal with corruption; we have no choice. We either deal with it or it deals with us.”
Senior Presidential Advisor on Legal Matters, Flora Kiconco, expressed her appreciation to the young lawyers for organizing themselves under one body. “Twenty years ago, when we enrolled, opportunities were abundant because we were few. Now, with the increased number of lawyers, our profession faces challenges,” she said.
Kiconco advised the young lawyers that professionalism is crucial if they want to stand out. “Our profession has been tainted by those who don’t uphold ethical standards. Some people look at us negatively, but I can assure you, if you serve diligently, opportunities are out there for you,” she added.
Enock Mutambi, a specialist in skills development at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, advised the young lawyers to enhance their skills to increase their success chances. “Not only technical skills, but behavioral skills are also crucial. Ethical skills help us say no to compromises. Pursue further studies and training; the Ministry of Gender offers scholarships,” Mutambi noted. He encouraged them to consider the labor sector as an area where they could provide legal services.
He also reminded the young lawyers of the Youth Venture Capital Fund established by the government to support young entrepreneurs. “This fund can help you if you want to go into entrepreneurship. If you’re a young lawyer who wants to start a law firm, you can use it.”
Tony Tumukunde, the President of YLN, thanked Col. Nakalema for hosting them and listening to their challenges. He explained that YLN was formed to bring together lawyers with less than five years of practice experience and to advocate for better working conditions for young legal practitioners. Tumukunde highlighted that many young lawyers lose hope due to unfavorable policies, particularly the lack of employment contracts with the law firms they work for. “We are advocating for change on that matter,” Tumukunde said.
YLN spokesperson Arthur Baliruno also thanked Col. Nakalema for her service to the country, expressing the young lawyers' readiness to work with her to create a thriving investment climate. “We are looking forward to strengthening our partnership. We want to work closely with you to achieve meaningful outcomes,” he added.
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