A Man Remanded Over Alleged Illegal Practice Of Law
A Man Remanded Over Alleged Illegal Practice Of Law
A 28-year-old Ugandan man has been remanded to prison after being accused of posing as a qualified lawyer and representing a client in a High Court land case despite allegedly lacking the legal qualifications to practise law.
Andrew Nsubuga Sekibaamu Jenkins appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he denied two charges brought under Uganda’s Advocates Act.
Senior Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko ordered him remanded in custody as the case proceeds.
Prosecutors allege that Nsubuga unlawfully acted as an advocate for Nagadya Linda in Civil Suit No. 188 of 2024, which was before the High Court’s Land Division in Kampala.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between February and December 2025.
According to the prosecution, Nsubuga acted as a legal practitioner despite not being qualified to practise law.
The state alleges that he represented Nagadya in the High Court land dispute during the period in question.
The prosecution has charged him under provisions of the Advocates Act, Cap. 295, which regulates the legal profession in Uganda.
Nsubuga, who lives in Najjera, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, denied the accusations when they were read to him.
His denial means the allegations remain to be proved in court.
Uganda tightly regulates who may practise as an advocate.
Under the Advocates Act, a person must meet the required professional qualifications and hold the appropriate authority to practise law.
The restrictions are designed to protect members of the public from people who may offer legal services without the necessary education, professional training or ethical obligations.
Practising law without the required authorisation can amount to a criminal offence.
The case therefore raises concerns not only about the individual allegations against Nsubuga but also about the potential risks to members of the public who rely on people presenting themselves as lawyers.
Legal representation can have serious consequences for people’s property, finances and rights.
The case involving Nagadya is particularly significant because it concerns a land dispute before the High Court, where decisions can affect ownership and other legal interests in valuable property.
If someone falsely presents themselves as a qualified advocate, a client may be exposed to financial loss or may make important legal decisions based on inaccurate advice.
There can also be consequences for court proceedings if a person who is not legally authorised attempts to represent a party.
Nsubuga has denied both charges.
His remand is not a finding of guilt. Under Uganda’s criminal justice system, the prosecution must prove its allegations in court before a conviction can be entered.
The court will now consider the evidence and determine whether the prosecution can establish that Nsubuga unlawfully practised as an advocate during the period alleged.
The precise circumstances surrounding how he came to represent the client, what legal work he performed and whether the client knew of his alleged lack of qualifications are matters that may be examined as the case progresses.
Nsubuga was remanded pending further proceedings, while the prosecution prepares to present its evidence.
The case highlights the importance of checking the credentials of anyone offering legal services.
