KAMPALA. Lawyers under their umbrella Uganda Law Society (ULS) are mourning the death of veteran lawyer Peter Mulira.
The deceased is described by peers as a fearless advocate and a towering figure in the country’s legal history.
In a joint condolence message dated May 5, the Uganda Law Society (ULS), its HealthCare and Benevolent Fund, and the Radical New Bar (RNB) Governing Council, led by Isaac Ssemakadde, expressed sympathy to Mulira’s family, friends, and the wider legal community. Advocate Mulira died over the weekend.
“We in the legal fraternity mourn his passing,” the statement read, describing his death as a significant loss not only to the profession but to the country at large.
Mulira, who practised law for over five decades, was hailed as a repository of legal knowledge, with expertise spanning corporate and commercial law, constitutional law, family law, and land law.
His colleagues credited him with unwavering commitment to the independence of both the Bench and the Bar, as well as a reputation for intellectual rigor and courage.
The tribute comes as the ULS marks 70 years since its establishment, a milestone now overshadowed by the loss of one of its longest-serving members.
However, the statement also raised concern over what it described as a longstanding anomaly in Uganda’s legal system, Mulira’s failure to be conferred with the title of Senior Counsel despite his distinguished career.
The ULS and RNB said this reflects broader structural weaknesses in the laws governing the legal profession, calling for urgent reforms to ensure fairness, transparency, and self-regulation.
The groups urged legal practitioners to support ongoing efforts to overhaul the regulatory framework, aligning it with international standards such as the United Nations principles on the independence of lawyers.
The lawyers said Mulira’s contributions extended beyond courtroom advocacy as he was part of the legal team that represented the Uganda Law Society in a landmark constitutional petition no.18 of 2005 challenging the unlawful trial of civilians in military courts, a case that contributed to securing the release of opposition figure Kizza Besigye ahead of the 2006 general elections.
He also served in the Buganda Kingdom government at Bulange, Mengo, and was remembered for his role in defending customary land tenure systems, particularly Mailo land.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mulira was praised for his mentorship of younger lawyers, many of whom recall his patience and guidance early in their careers.
The Uganda Law Society has called on those whose lives he touched to share their memories, expressing hope that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of legal practitioners.