As a young lawyer fresh from LDC, be prepared to do everything; litigation and transactions. Allow yourself to grow and master the basics of the profession. Do those transactions, perfect securities, go to lands office, make a trip to URSB/URA, draft pleadings, prepare
Grateful to be mentored by one of the best litigators in Uganda
@karugire
. Him and
@UsaamaSebuufu
introduced me election petitions. Karugire is one of the best litigators you’ll find in both commercial and civil spaces. You’ll be shocked but he’s down to earth. I celebrate you.
Pleased to announce that I was admitted to practice as a Notary Public by the Chief Registrar- Judiciary. I’m finally both a Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public licensed to practice in our jurisdiction. Baby steps!
In other news, I’m humbled to state that I am now a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb). We bless the lord. As the world tends towards arbitration as a mode of dispute resolution, we need to position ourselves through constant acquisition of skills and
Something needs to be done about law firms that refuse to acknowledge service of court documents. I think such practice is archaic and primitive to say the very least. Some even have the tendency of telling you that counsel in personal service is not around hence come back after
Money versus Conscience. The power of money and the wisdom to advise a client.
Two months ago, I withdrew from a case. Just like any other lawyer, my client had withheld a lot of information. I discovered things along the way and told him that I wouldn’t continue with the case.
Always aspiring to do better. Here to inspire the younger generation. Litigation is not a preserve of the older people. Let’s learn from them. We can enter into this space and perform wonders. Let’s believe in ourselves. Let’s litigate. Let’s make precedents!
Counsel, be courteous to your colleague. Before you take on new instructions of a pending case from a client, give former counsel a call. You’ll be shocked by the revelations. Don’t be quick to judge previous counsel for not doing his job well. Some lawyers abandon work due to
Legal Alert; Court has held that where there’s no restriction on transfer of shares to a non citizen under the Articles of Association, then the Co. is deemed a non citizen company. It can’t own mailo land irrespective of who has majority controlling interest.
I responded to kwanjula summons and entered appearance to show cause why the parties should get married. The matter has been adjourned to late October, 2023 for wedding. Each guest to bear their own transportation costs.
Today, we celebrate Happy Teachers’ Day.
In 2015, I was called to teach law at both Kampala International University and Uganda Christian University, Mukono. I taught law for a period of 5 years and resigned in 2020, the year of lockdown.
Teaching taught me the virtues of
At some point, we need to have a meeting as young litigators. There’s a lot to share and learn from each other. I’m thinking of a date in May, 2023. Career growth is key. We can go an extra mile in sharpening each other. This would include those that have just left LDC. I need
My biggest appreciation goes to
@TumukundeTT
for excellently organizing the
@talk2tonny__
students edition. It was inspiring to talk to the younger generation about the realities and opportunities that the legal profession has to offer. Without a doubt, mentorship is very
As the year starts, I want to offer some free legal advice to companies. I have had the benefit of representing companies in courts of law and one thing always stands out as to why most of them lose cases despite having a very good defense; The Documentation. 👇👇👇
An inspiring story about the founding of Byenkya, Kihika and Co. Advocates, 31 years ago, its growth into one of Uganda’s top law firms and the resolve to continue building on the dream, now that one of the senior partners has been appointed a Justice.
To any aspiring litigation lawyer, reduce on the number of POs. Not every case requires raising a Point of Law. You are depriving yourself of a skill; The Art of Advocacy. The satisfaction that you get after going through a full trial hits differently.
Clerkship and the surging numbers. What can be done?
In the recent years, most if not all law firms or government institutions have been bombarded with a multitude of applications for prospective clerkship students. There seems to be a need for everyone to clerk in Kampala
I’m humbled to have been nominated as a Rising Star at the annual Law Society Awards 2022.Most importantly, happy for the fact that the market is able to recognize young talent and our contribution to the jurisprudence of this country. We strive to do more!!
The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has cleared our client (
@rpbyaru
) Richard Byarugaba of financial loss. This follows an appeal lodged with the office of the IGG by
@byenkyakihika
& Co. Advocates.
We could have so many talented, resourceful and skilled young people if it were not for fear and self doubt. Many of us are capable of breaking out in any given profession but our dreams are curtailed by fear to rise to the occasion. Age is just a number. We can make it. 🙏🙏
"You’re never too old to be young." – Snow White. I’m happy to add another year. Happy birthday to me. Thanks to all of you that continue to be part of this, my journey. God bless you. 🙏🙏 Small small photo(s) dump to celebrate how far I’ve come. The Boy~child.
I’m equally humbled to have been nominated in the category of “Excellence from the bar, 2023” alongside distinguished ladies and gentleman for the 2023 Annual Law Society Awards.
@ug_lawsociety
@byenkyakihika
Congratulations to all those that were called to the bar. Be reminded that the country has a scarcity of litigators. It’s something one notices during recruitment. Please join the space and make the best out of it. Also, maintain integrity and be ethical. I welcome you. Kisoboka.
As my birth day nears, I take this opportunity to thank whoever has been part of my journey. I’m still growing and learning from the mistakes I made before. Through your wise counsel, I aspire to do more and together, we can create a better society. God bless you 🙏
Today is the 10th Annual Regional Pro day when lawyers offer free legal advice to members of the community. Feel free to go and attend at the railway grounds along Jinja road. You can as well call or inbox any lawyer for free legal consultation today.
@ug_lawsociety
At the end of the day, a lawyer is only doing his job. He’s not the problem. Even though his client withdrew instructions, the new lawyer would do exactly the same thing or worse. It’s not guaranteed that the new opposite lawyer will not defend the case as the first one did.
The Commercial Court has held that email correspondences between parties can amount to a valid contract and/or form basis of a contract. The defendant had denied existence of a contract.
Often, I’m asked by fresh graduates on whether to pursue litigation or transactions. My answer is simple; Enjoy the journey. Give yourself 3 years to choose your calling. Most importantly, follow your heart and PASSION. Passion breeds good results.
I’m glad as counsel/Commissioner for Oaths, to have presided over the installation and swearing in of the new and 4th Chancellor - Kampala International University. Congratulations Professor Yunus Mgaya.
Prof. Yunus Mgaya being Sworn in as the 4th Chancellor of KIU. The function is being presided over by the Chairman Board of Trustees Al Hajj Dr. Hassan BassajjaBalaba.
Merry Christmas and Happy new year to everybody. We thank God for the gift of life and enabling us accomplish whatever we were able to this year. To the dreams and goals that failed, we tried our best. Wishing you a prosperous 2024.
Happy birthday my dear bro
@kiberumalik
. You’re a true definition of ambition, business and the law. Age gracefully. Once I return to motherland,
@TumukundeTT
and I, shall look for you. Keep flying.
Election Reforms. Court has stated that there should be a cap on costs in election petitions. This is to prevent candidates from using costs as a weapon in election petitions. Also, despite dismissing the petition, EC was ordered to pay costs to the Petitioner and the winner.
I’m told that certain lawyers seek unnecessary adjournments for years as a way of making more money. One lawyer once told me that a single file paid fees for his son up to campus. Shocked. I’ve failed to understand this. How do people go to court and seek adjournments forever?
I’m proud to associate with people of my generation. There’s Al lot we’ve done and there’s a lot to be done. Let’s keep focused and united in the struggle to better society.
In the legal profession always try hard to make friends and not enemies. Make known to colleagues that you are well intentioned because from many after years, they become judicial officers,bank staff, security officers, who determine your fate and success in the profession.
We work in a space where some people trust and believe in witch doctors more than their lawyers to win a case. Some will even pay their lawyers 2million shillings but can afford or risk to bribe a judicial officer with 50 millions. We need a mindset change. Trust your lawyer.
Glad to state that
@byenkyakihika
has been nominated in a number of categories of the 2023 Annual Law Society Awards. We thank the market for the nominations and recognition.
@ug_lawsociety
The Industrial Court is finally going to have separate panels to hear employment matters starting 23rd August 2021. This is intended to facilitate speedy justice unlike in the past where two Judges used to sit on the same panel to adjudicate the same matters.
@karugire
Congratulations
@karugire
. This is among the many cases under your belt that have shaped our jurisprudence. Not forgetting your contribution to the jurisprudence in the consolidated appeal of Fang Min versus Belex Tours & Travels. 🙏. Well done.
The Court of Appeal (single justice) has stated that where a party has the option of either Appeal or Review but chooses to go for Review, the right to Appeal is thereby waived.
Lastly, consult a lawyer on every step you take. Unlike doctors, lawyers should be consulted in the beginning and not when things go wrong. The way you word your letters could be a big blow in the future especially when the matter goes to court. Hire a good lawyer.
In most cases, the junior lawyer will see the one trying to support his or her career as tough and undeserving. They’ll prefer those that don’t push for results or excellence. The “easy one”.
As a junior, you will come across some senior lawyers and partners who are willing to support your career and others who aren’t. Focus on those who are. It only takes 1 or 2 mentors to propel your career to the next level and to make a name for yourself at a firm
#law
#lawtwitter
We should embrace the habit of writing emails and possibly, letters. Even when you don’t get a reply, just keep writing. Also, we need to put in place a proper document keeping system. To say I did this and that without supporting documentary evidence is useless.
The Constitutional Court has held that it was wrong for the government to grant monopoly rights to Great Lakes Port for the establishment and management of Tororo Inland Port at the exclusion of other players in the clearing and forwarding industry.
Most companies are not in the habit of documenting their transactions and this eventually costs the company during trial. A mere one paragraphed letter can save a company a lot of money. We should move away from the business of completing everything through phone calls.
Everyday is challenging. Not everything that you hope for, shall go through instantly. However, the ability to push even when things look unclear, is where the journey starts. Let’s kickstart the journey with Monday.
I guess the issue surrounding LDC is one that can’t entirely be blamed on the institution. There may be weaknesses but let’s face the reality and ask ourselves these questions. These questions relate to the entire education grid. LDC, Campus, Government etc.
@TumukundeTT
@MwesigyeFranks
We are just a sick society. In Kampala, people can even hate you for laughing. Just keep helping. The intended beneficiaries shall always appreciate.
There’s a general thinking that in every dispute, one of the lawyers is the problem. We keep hearing statements like that man is okay but the problem is with his lawyer. If the other party is okay, why is the case still in court? Will the case collapse if the lawyer stood down?
@TumukundeTT
You’re doing a very good job. Most people wouldn’t know about these cases if you hadn’t posted them. Instead of negative energy, they should be encouraging you to do more. We shall not apologize where others have failed.
This problem has also been made worse by lawyers who put blame on their colleagues for “being the problem” in cases. We need to stop this habit. Let’s be courteous. Remember a lawyer is only paid to do his job.
In the past election cycles, courts have been awarding a lot of money to successful candidates. Most times, the unsuccessful party fails to pay this money even when the term of office (for the winner) ends. They struggle with a huge debt.
Well, we are all learned friends and expected to know everything. However, you can save yourself the embarrassment by refusing certain instructions you don’t know. It’s normal to say, “I can’t do this kind of work but can refer you to my colleague.”
When this happens, they are not even able to contest in the next election. Their financial muscle is weakened. I know of politicians that are still being demanded money from 2016 elections. They lost the cases but are yet to find the money.
Happy birthday Mr.
@Bazira__
Jah Bless, "imagine☺️🙌" being given Credit by one of the Top Litigators in Uganda from
@byenkyakihika
Advocate) after just 62days of legal Updates(1st Legal update was on 8th September 2023 but the page had been dormant since its creation in 2022 )
@TumukundeTT
@UgandaLegal
Well done
@TumukundeTT
. You deserve it. Not only have you shaped jurisprudence in the Anti Corruption Court, you’ve gone an extra mile to touch people’s lives. May God bless you and keep rising and shining. The sky is no longer the limit.
@MuyaakaAlfred
Thanks
@MuyaakaAlfred
. I’ll definitely look out for you. You’ve been the first to volunteer. I felt that there was need for us to take leadership as regards our careers.
Kenya High Court holds that the Petitioner having obtained C in Kiswahili and D in English did not meet the requirements to join Kenya School of Law (Bar Course).
What’s work without boxing sessions. It only gets better every year. Viewer discretion. Don’t try this at home. Work out under instructions of a professional boxer like Nordiman.
The East African Court of Justice in Basajjabalaba & Another versus AG, Reference No. 8/2018, has held that it can review acts of state organs including judicial organs or courts. A very interesting case scenario for state sovereignty.
@elijahkasenene
You may have to apply for further and better particulars or in the alternative without prejudice, an application for discovery would be the best course of action.
@TumukundeTT
I can attest to what you’re saying. You’ve always given credit where it’s due and this probably, explains your rapid escalation in the profession. Acknowledgment breeds prosperity. Keep it up bro. A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
@job_matua
I agree with you
@job_matua
. Actually, 2 to 3 years should be enough. I gave 5 years as the limit. For example, i decided that I wanted to litigate after 3 years. There were signs in the 2nd year. However, I don’t regret having done transactions.
@OCAN_lo_ORAMA
The parties are not only competent and compellable, they are also fit for purpose within the meaning of the Marriage Act. Nothing should stop them.
Are we secure and proud of the products that are getting out of academic institutions? Lately, if someone walks to you with 20 points at UACE, is your confidence as the same as it were years back? Would you doubt their competence?
Let’s start with institutions. Legal education has been liberalized. Over 10 universities are teaching law even those without capacity. Are these universities taking in the right products? Do we admit students for the sake of money or quality?
Again, we need to revisit whether there’s need to reinstate pre-entry. This is not a guarantee that failure rates shall reduce but well, we can start the debate. All of us are asking, what went wrong??
Can the government give LDC a helping hand? Yes, we opened up other branches but can we evaluate the positives and downsides with this? Can we increase remuneration for LDC staff to attract a number of people that can teach?
@jzeere
@bihoogo
This is highly seconded
@jzeere
. It’s a very good training hubs. That’s the beauty of such meetings. They help to create awareness and encourage as many people as possible to embrace such programs.
Also, we should not forget the legendary
@Uganda_LII
for the consistency over the years. They’ve even re-branded and made ULII not only easier to work with but appealable to the eyes. In this day and age, we have no excuse not to comb the law.
Yes, let’s talk about lecturers/tutors that prepare these students for LDC at campus. How grounded are they to teach? Are these lecturers grounded in the knowledge they pass on to the students? Does excelling in class imply that you can teach?
Competition as long as it’s healthy, it’s a very good thing. It brings the best out of you. The challenge is when people use competition to breed negativity and hatred. Competition should be used to learn to become better.
@mus_inguzi
@MuyaakaAlfred
I’m not on my own bro. POs should only be raised where necessary. Our generation has made POs to override brilliance and good articulation of issues.