In response to growing cases of exploitation, lack of contracts, inadequate transport facilitation, and sexual harassment by senior lawyers, newly enrolled lawyers have come together to form an association aimed at protecting their rights.
This new organization, named the Young Lawyers Network (YLN), was unveiled at Fairway Hotel in Kampala.
Tony Tumukunde, a prominent city lawyer and one of the founders, highlighted that the association’s primary goal is to improve working conditions for young lawyers.
“The purpose of this network is not to challenge the Uganda Law Society (ULS), our parent organization, but to advocate for the rights of young lawyers.
Many are unpaid despite having significant responsibilities, which is unacceptable,” Tumukunde stated.
Despite some claims that the YLN has been established to promote the agenda of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and to undermine the ULS, Tumukunde clarified that the association operates under the umbrella of the ULS.
“While we respect the current government, our association is non-partisan,” he added.
Tumukunde emphasized the issues faced by young female lawyers who are often sexually harassed while seeking employment, whereas their male counterparts are forced into menial jobs due to bureaucratic hurdles in the enrolment process at the law council.
“Many female lawyers are hired based on ‘thigh power’ rather than their intellectual capabilities. They lack maternity leave because their jobs are given away during their absence, and male lawyers are not granted paternity leave, which is unjust,” he explained.
Lawyer Rachel Ayebare supported Tumukunde’s claims, noting that many young female lawyers are sexually exploited during their job search, hence the demand for contracts to reduce such incidents.
The group also urged the government to establish a minimum wage for young lawyers, similar to practices in Kenya and Tanzania.
“Young lawyers are underpaid. We want a starting salary of at least 700,000 UGX to ensure they can support themselves,” Tumukunde asserted.
The young lawyers also called for reserving certain judiciary positions, such as Magistrate Grade One, for fresh graduates, arguing that it is illogical to have them compete with lawyers with over 20 years of experience.
Tumukunde proposed that young lawyers should receive their first practising certificate upon graduation rather than having to pursue it afterwards.
Additionally, they argued that it is unfair to charge fresh graduates the same subscription fees as experienced lawyers.
Law student Shamim Akampulira welcomed the formation of the association, expressing optimism that by the time she begins her practice, she will have benefited from proper mentorship.
The group reiterated their call for the government to implement a minimum wage for young lawyers, aligning with the standards seen in neighbouring countries like Kenya and Tanzania.
