Controversial lawyer and self-styled public interest litigant, Male Hassan Mabirizi Kiwanuka, has formally applied to the Law Council seeking admission and enrolment as an advocate of the High Court of Uganda.
In a letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Law Council and copied to the Secretary, Mabirizi invokes Sections 13(1), 13(8), and 13(9) of the Advocates Act Cap. 295, which outlines the eligibility criteria for enrolment. He argues that he meets the necessary academic and professional qualifications required under the law.
Mabirizi stated that he is a holder of a degree in law granted by a university in Uganda, specifically Makerere University, where he graduated during the institution’s 62nd Graduation Ceremony in January 2012. He further claimed that his extensive involvement in litigation over the past decade, particularly in constitutional and public interest matters, qualifies him for admission despite not having previously practiced under a recognized law firm. He cited his participation in a number of high-profile legal challenges.
These include his appearance in Constitutional Appeal No. 02 of 2018 before the Supreme Court of Uganda, in which he challenged the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2018. He also referenced East African Court of Justice Reference No. 6 of 2019, which involved a similar challenge, and Reference No. 8 of 2020, in which he contested the legality of Uganda’s COVID-19 lockdown measures.
“I have been in active litigation since 2013, appearing before the High Court, Court of Appeal, Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and the East African Court of Justice,” Mabirizi noted in his application. “I have hence practiced for over a decade, above the minimum of one year required by the Act.” He concluded his submission by requesting that the Chairperson direct the Registrar to enter his name on the Roll of Advocates. The Law Council is yet to issue a formal response to the application.