Lawyers Challenged to Embrace AI Responsibly

By Philip Onyango

 

Uganda’s legal profession has been challenged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies while putting in place strong ethical, cybersecurity and accountability safeguards to protect public trust.

 

The call was made during the opening of the second Digital Transformation Festival 2026, organised by the Uganda Law Society (ULS) under the theme “Digital Democracy: Advancing Access to Justice, Innovation and Ethical Governance through Technology.”

 

The week-long festival has brought together lawyers, judges, government officials, technology innovators and other justice-sector stakeholders to examine how technology can improve access to justice and transform the delivery of legal services.

 

Attorney General Sam Mayanja, SC, said the rapid development of technology presents both opportunities and responsibilities for professionals.

 

He urged lawyers and other users of emerging technologies to ensure digital tools are applied productively and ethically rather than for personal benefit.

 

“We must ensure the technology is used productively, not for personal gain. Use the new technologies to create new changes,” Mayanja told delegates.

 

He noted that technology has become part of virtually every aspect of modern life, including agriculture and financial management, but stressed that its growing use must be accompanied by clear rules and responsible practices.

 

Mayanja identified responsible Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and inclusive digital justice as key areas requiring attention. He called for clear professional guidance on the use of AI, particularly on verification of information, confidentiality and accountability.

 

He also urged law firms and justice institutions to strengthen cybersecurity standards and provide regular training, while ensuring that digital justice initiatives remain accessible to people outside major urban centres.

 

The Attorney General further asked ULS to consolidate recommendations from the festival and submit them to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for consideration.

 

“My Chambers will receive and consider proposals concerning legislative, procedural and ethical reforms and engage the appropriate institutions where further action is required,” he said.

 

Tonny Kiire Galandi, Managing Partner of Diamond Advocates and inaugural Chairperson of the second TechFest, said organisers deliberately took the festival beyond Kampala to expose lawyers across the country to emerging technologies. Regional activities were held in Mbarara, Mbale and Gulu earlier in the week.

 

Galandi said the rapid adoption of AI requires the legal profession to understand both its benefits and potential risks.

 

“Since AI tools are being used everywhere, we now have to mitigate the dangers that will come with them, and this is only done by lawyers, innovators, clients and judges,” he said.

 

He also pointed to gaps in the integration of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) with other institutions, including NIRA, Prisons and the Judiciary, arguing that greater interoperability could further improve justice administration.

 

The festival also provided a platform for local technology innovators to demonstrate tools designed to improve the efficiency of legal work.