About Private Lawyers Forum (PLF)
The Private Lawyers Forum (PLF) is a professional association established to unite lawyers engaged in private legal practice in Uganda. PLF provides a collective platform for advocacy, professional development, ethical practice, member welfare, and promotion of access to justice.
The Forum exists to strengthen private legal practice by engaging key justice sector stakeholders, promoting professionalism and integrity, and advancing an enabling legal and regulatory environment that supports sustainable and independent private practice.
Our Vision
- A united, ethical, and empowered private legal profession that upholds the rule of law and ensures access to justice for all.
Our Mission
- To unite and represent lawyers in private legal practice in Uganda by promoting professionalism, ethics, welfare, innovation, and access to justice, while advocating for fair and enabling legal and regulatory frameworks through collaboration, research, and stakeholder engagement.
Our Core Objectives
Promotion of Rule of Law and Human Rights
To foster cooperation and establish strong partnerships with government and other stakeholders in promoting human rights, the rule of law, and good governance in Uganda.
Strategic Justice Sector Engagement
To establish and maintain strategic partnerships with the Office of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, and other justice sector institutions to promote timely and accessible justice for all.
Representation of Private Practitioners
To provide a unified voice for lawyers engaged in private legal practice and represent their collective interests before the Uganda Law Society, Judiciary,
Professional Excellence and Ethics
To promote high standards of competence, diligence, integrity, and ethical conduct in accordance with the Advocates Act and applicable professional regulations.
Advocacy for an Enabling Practice Environment
To engage stakeholders on issues affecting legal fees, taxation, licensing, court administration, and practice regulations in order to support sustainable private legal practice.
Access to Justice and Pro Bono Services
To promote access to justice through organized pro bono legal services, legal aid initiatives, and community legal education, particularly for indigent and vulnerable persons.
Capacity Building and Mentorship
To support young advocates and emerging law firms through mentorship, apprenticeship support, practice management training, and continuous skills development.
Member Welfare and Well-being
To promote the welfare, health, and financial well-being of members through welfare schemes, insurance initiatives, and support systems for members in distress.
Financial Empowerment
To establish a members-only Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) that provides affordable credit services to members and promotes financial independence.
Practice Management and Innovation
To promote effective law firm management, responsible billing practices, and the adoption of technology and innovation in legal service delivery.
Research, Policy Engagement, and Law Reform
To conduct research and contribute to policy discussions and law reform initiatives affecting private legal practice and the administration of justice.
Regional and International Engagement
To foster engagement with regional and international legal associations in order to enhance professional exposure, best practices, and cross-border collaboration.
Our Values
Professionalism
Upholding excellence and competence in private legal practice
Integrity
Commitment to ethical conduct and accountability
Independence
Strengthening autonomous and sustainable private practice
Solidarity
Unity and collective action among private practitioners
Access to Justice
Commitment to legal empowerment and public service
Innovation
Embracing modern practice management and technology