Uganda abolishes colonial court bows, 'My Lord' titles in justice reform

Uganda's Law Society abolished colonial courtroom practices effective July 7, 2026, directing lawyers and litigants to stop bowing or using honorifics like 'My Lord' and 'Your Lordship' when addressing judicial officers. Instead, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices are to be addressed as 'Mr. Justice' or 'Madam Justice'; High Court judges as 'Mr. Judge' or 'Madam Judge'; magistrates as 'Mr. Magistrate' or 'Madam Magistrate'; registrars as 'Mr. Registrar' or 'Madam Registrar'; or simply by surname with the appropriate title (e.g., 'Justice Okello'). The directive, issued to coincide with Saba Saba Day (East Africa's resistance commemoration), aims to decolonize justice and restore dignity by having all court participants stand upright as free citizens.

This reform reflects a growing African movement to shed colonial legacies in institutions, resonating with ongoing debates in Nigeria about judicial reforms and systemic decolonization. For Nigerians, it raises questions about whether similar changes are needed in Nigerian courts, where colonial-era formalities persist in some settings. While the change directly impacts Ugandan legal proceedings, it serves as a regional benchmark for institutional reform efforts across West Africa.

The Ugandan reform specifies exact alternatives for addressing judicial officers at all court levels, aiming to eliminate perceived symbols of hierarchy and humiliation. As Uganda implements this change starting yesterday, observers across Africa will monitor its impact on courtroom dynamics and public perception of justice. For Nigerians engaged in legal reform or judicial accountability discussions, this development offers a concrete case study in institutional decolonization worth monitoring and adapting to local contexts.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/08/uganda-bar-abolishes-colonial-courtroom-bow-my-lord-title/