By Ambrose Gahene
Equal opportunities Commission (EOC) on Wednesday inaugurated the National Discrimination and Access to Justice Inter- University Moot Court Competition. The moot competition inaugural ceremony attracted participants from seven Universities. Members of the Uganda Law Society and Judges among others.
Counsel Jumah Waira, the Head of Legal Services and Investigations at the EOC in his opening remarks, called upon young lawyers to exercise humility and integrity while carrying out their duties to render justice. He said professional discipline is the cornerstone to one being a good citizen.
He in addition told lawyers to endeavour to read more law books to upgrade their knowledge.
“No one can debate about the value of education because education is the only thing that makes men and women equal”, he said.
Counsel Anthony Asiimwe, Uganda Law Society (ULS) Vice President,said by 2060, Uganda Law Society envisages that the country will be having a much better legal system that respects rule of law.
“Discrimination is not mere fiction but the things we do in society on a daily basis, which is why citizens have a duty to respect the human rights of others”, he said.
He also called on Ugandans to respect the rights of children, women and people living with disabilities (PWDs).
“You cannot demand for your rights while violating the rights of others. A good lawyer should know what the law says, not cramming the Articles in the law books”, he added.
High Court Judge,Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya, the Guest of Honor at the Inaugural ceremony, reiterated the need for legal practitioners to address the plight of vulnerable and poor members in society, while settling legal disputes.
She said a good lawyer should aim at protecting society against all forms of discrimination, adding that lawyers should not only be for the rich members in society.
“The reason legal advocates wear black in courts of law is for neutrality”, she said.
The Inter- University Moot Court Competition is being held under the theme: “Advancing Equality, Dignity and Inclusion through Law and Justice”