In his homily, Bishop Giuseppe urged lawyers to exercise mercy and compassion in the practice of law, emphasising that laws should be enacted and implemented to benefit the people.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) and the Vice President of Uganda, Jesca Alupo, have eulogised Pope Francis, describing him as a transformative figure and a beacon of hope.
This was during Mass at ULS Headquarters led by Bishop Emeritus of Kotido Diocese, Giuseppe Filippi, Fr. Emanuel Sita—the Director of the Peace and Justice Centre, Kampala Archdiocese—and Fr. Joseph Kasasa, the Vice Parish Priest of Kamwokya Parish.
In his homily, Bishop Giuseppe urged lawyers to exercise mercy and compassion in the practice of law, emphasising that laws should be enacted and implemented to benefit the people.
Anthony Asiimwe, the Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, stated that Pope Francis’s legacy challenges especially those in the service of justice to be fearless advocates for the vulnerable and to remain committed to the pursuit of truth, fairness, and human dignity.
Asiimwe also mentioned that the ULS is deeply committed to the same calling through initiatives such as the Legal Aid Project and the Pro Bono Department, which reach out to the marginalised and poor across the country.
Isaac Ssemakadde, the President of ULS, delivered his message through the Vice President of the Society. He said that Pope Francis’s gospel was radical, not of platitudes but of action.
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Nicholas Ecimu, the President of the Uganda Catholic Lawyers Society, said that Pope Francis’s words and deeds remind us that true leadership is rooted in service and love, not in pomp and splendour.
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Alupo said that Pope Francis had visible compassion for the weak, the poor, and the disabled, among others, saying that in such people, the Lord Jesus Christ resides. Alupo urged members of the Uganda Law Society to emulate Pope Francis's work and use the law to bring about justice, resolve disputes fairly, and not to exploit the poor and minority through legal systems.
“As you exercise your profession in different capacities, please focus on how the law is addressing the challenges facing the disadvantaged,” Alupo remarked.
She also emphasised the need for lawyers to work on areas where the law is being abused.
Fred Kayongo Male
Freelancer