Uganda’s legal profession has been urged to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies while strengthening 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 explore how technology can improve access to justice and transform legal services.
Attorney General Sam Mayanja, SC, said rapid technological development presents both opportunities and responsibilities for professionals.
He urged lawyers and other users of emerging technologies to use digital tools productively and ethically rather than for personal gain.
“We must ensure the technology is used productively, not for personal gain. Use the new technologies to create new changes,” Mayanja told delegates.
He said 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 AI use, cybersecurity and inclusive digital justice as key areas requiring attention.
He called for clear professional guidance on the use of AI, particularly regarding verification of information, confidentiality and accountability.
He also urged law firms and justice institutions to strengthen cybersecurity standards and provide regular training, while ensuring 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.
Mayanja also called for improved cooperation between lawyers and judges, saying longstanding differences between the bar and the bench should not hinder effective justice delivery.
Bringing technology closer to lawyers
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.
He said greater interoperability could further improve justice administration.
AI tools enter legal practice
The festival also provided a platform for local technology innovators to demonstrate tools designed to improve the efficiency of legal work.
Austin Ekesa of LexTech Uganda showcased JuriAssist, an artificial intelligence-powered tool intended to assist magistrates and lawyers in preparing legal documents and rulings.
Ekesa said the platform has integrated a substantial body of Ugandan case law and can reduce the time lawyers spend on routine legal drafting.
“This tool helps lawyers ease their workload. For example, an affidavit which used to take days can now take seconds to be done,” he said.
The demonstrations highlighted the potential of AI to support rather than replace legal professionals by handling time-consuming tasks while lawyers retain responsibility for professional judgment and accountability.
Digitalisation transforms land services
Digital transformation is also changing government services.
Baker Mugaino, Commissioner for Land Registration at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, said digitalisation has significantly changed the way land titles are processed and managed.
He explained that manual systems previously caused delays and other administrative challenges, while digital systems have enabled land titles to be linked to individual identities and processed electronically.
“E-title has been enabled and work is made easy,” Mugaino said.
He added that similar digital reforms are being implemented across other government institutions.
Lawyers challenged to defend public interest
The Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, Anthony Asiimwe said the digital transition should enable lawyers to work more efficiently while maintaining their responsibility to the public.
He noted that institutions including NIRA, the driving licence system and the Ministry of Lands have already adopted digital and AI-supported systems, arguing that the legal profession must adapt to the changing environment.
“The world is no longer analogue,” he said, while emphasising that lawyers must continue to hold justice institutions accountable and advocate for ordinary citizens.
Technology and human rights
Delivering the keynote address, retired Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende placed the digital transformation debate within the broader context of human rights, justice and human dignity.
He observed that technological changes over the past three decades have been among the most significant transformations in human history, but stressed that technological advancement should not replace fundamental human values.
Justice Egonda-Ntende reminded ULS of its statutory responsibility to protect and assist the public in matters concerning the law.
He challenged lawyers to use digital tools to research historical records, preserve evidence and pursue accountability for alleged human rights violations.
He cited allegations surrounding torture at Nalufenya Police Station and other historical episodes as examples of cases where technology could assist in locating records, documenting evidence and communicating with international institutions.
“I implore you to use technology as a tool in defence of our people. If you do so, you will have advanced access to justice and ethical governance through technology in our nation,” he said.
Justice Egonda-Ntende subsequently declared the 2026 Digital Transformation
Festival officially open.
The festival is expected to continue discussions on artificial intelligence, digital justice, cybersecurity, innovation, electronic government services and ethical governance, as participants examine how Uganda can modernise its justice system while ensuring technology remains accessible, accountable and centred on the public interest.
