By Aulah Najjuuka
A group of young lawyers have launched the ‘Young Lawyers Network’ at a press conference held on August 6. This is a new association dedicated to addressing the exploitation and harassment faced by emerging legal professionals. The founders outlined their vision to protect the rights of young lawyers and to foster a culture of integrity and professionalism within the legal community.
Mike Mujereza Kirungi, the UCU Alumni Association’s Secretary for Publicity, and the speaker, Tonny Tumukunde, have dedicated countless hours to realising this objective and worked together In order to provide a foundation of values for aspiring young lawyers.
During the conference, the main complaint was that there have been allegations in the past few months of senior attorneys taking advantage of their less experienced colleagues, including employing them without appropriate contracts and harassing them sexually.
In direct response to these alarming problems, the Young Lawyers Network was established, giving aspiring attorneys a forum to express their worries, defend their legal rights, and demand substantive changes.
“This network represents a significant step towards ensuring that the next generation of lawyers not only excel in their careers but also embodies the values and ethics that define true professionalism,” Tumukunde said at the press conference.
He explained that they are not disintegrated from the Uganda Law Society but are here to work together for a better society. “We need to advocate for the dignity of women in the field and push for reforms on wage and sexual harassment policies,” he pointed out.
Moreover, Mike Mujereza Kirungi, stressed the mission of the Young Lawyers Network’s deeper relevance saying that despite how simple it is to concentrate on the outward manifestations of organisations or the people in positions of authority, the standards and principles that underpin any profession are what give it its genuine identity.
“The institutions we often critique aren’t just about buildings or the officers who occupy them; they are about a set of norms and values we collectively uphold,” Kirungi stated.
He highlights that these standards of behaviour are what set the foundation for true professionalism. According to Kirungi, it is these very principles that make the work of professionals truly inspiring for the younger generation.
The Young Lawyers Network aims to foster a legal community that upholds the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in order to inspire and encourage its members. By working together, they intend to open doors for a more promising future in the legal industry and make sure that aspiring attorneys may flourish in a setting that supports their dignity and respects their rights.
