All of Africa Today - July 10, 2026

A dispute has erupted between Uganda's judiciary and the Uganda Law Society (ULS) over the continued use of colonial-era courtroom traditions. The ULS had instructed lawyers to cease addressing judges as "My Lord" or "My Lady" and to stop bowing in court, deeming these practices outdated and detrimental to citizens' dignity. The society proposed simpler titles like "Mr Justice" or "Madam Judge" as part of a decolonization effort.

However, the judiciary has firmly rejected the ULS directive, asserting that the legal body lacks the authority to dictate courtroom protocol. Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye defended the existing decorum, stating that any changes must follow established procedures. This disagreement underscores a larger, ongoing conversation across Africa regarding the relevance and appropriateness of colonial legal traditions in contemporary judicial systems, encompassing everything from formalities to attire.

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The legal body has no authority to dictate courtroom protocol.

The conflict in Uganda reflects a broader tension between preserving historical legal practices and modernizing judicial systems to better serve citizens. The judiciary's stance suggests a resistance to rapid change, while the Law Society's push indicates a desire for a more accessible and equitable justice system. The outcome of this debate could influence legal practices in other African nations grappling with similar colonial legacies.

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The colonial-era traditions are outdated, undermine citizens' dignity and should be replaced with simpler forms of address such as "Mr Justice" or "Madam Judge" as part of efforts to decolonise the justice system.