In a moment that stirred pride within Uganda’s legal community, Dr. Kiiza Smith, a Ugandan-born legal expert with international credentials, was formally enrolled this week as an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda. The enrollment, which took place before the Chief Registrar of the High Court and witnessed by a Magistrate Grade One, marked the conclusion of a long journey that began in foreign courtrooms and academic halls but has come full circle — back to Uganda.
It was not just another routine ceremony. This was the Special Enrollment Program — a distinguished path reserved for legal professionals trained abroad who seek to offer their skills and serve their homeland. The moment Dr. Kiiza raised his right hand and took the oath was not just the fulfillment of a legal requirement — it was a symbolic return, an offering of his talents to the nation that raised him.
A Life of Law and Purpose
Dr. Kiiza Smith is not new to the law — nor to responsibility. He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Business Law from UC Davis School of Law in California, one of the most respected public law schools in the United States. During his time there, he earned recognition for his outstanding service to the community, receiving multiple certificates in public interest law, pro bono service, and restorative justice facilitation.
Yet even with such achievements, Dr. Kiiza remained grounded. While many graduates pursue high-paying careers in the West, he chose to return — to serve, to teach, and to practice in Uganda. For him, law is not just a career; it is a calling.
What Makes This Enrollment Special
Unlike general enrollments, the Special Enrollment Program is selective and thorough. Applicants undergo rigorous scrutiny by the Law Council. They must submit proof of legal education, demonstrate knowledge of Ugandan law, and satisfy character and ethical requirements.
In Dr. Kiiza’s case, his application was supported by a wealth of experience in international law, human rights work, nonprofit advocacy, and grassroots community education. Officials remarked that his background was “not only impressive but exemplary — combining legal intellect with compassion.”
A Vision Bigger Than the Courtroom
Dr. Kiiza’s vision goes beyond litigation. He speaks of building bridges between justice and healing, of making legal systems more responsive to the struggles of ordinary people. He plans to advocate in areas like family law, land rights, commercial law, and community reconciliation. His upcoming projects include legal literacy programs for rural communities and a mentorship network for young law graduates in Uganda and the diaspora.
“Justice must walk into the villages,” he said after his enrollment. “It must speak the language of the people. It must not intimidate the weak. That is the kind of legal system I want to be part of.”
Legacy in the Making
Colleagues describe Dr. Kiiza as a principled man — driven by faith, rooted in service, and unafraid of difficult conversations. Those who’ve worked with him in Uganda and the United States admire his humility and his ability to inspire trust across all walks of life. He has also served as a spiritual counselor, community educator, and advocate for women and children in crisis.
His journey from a village boy to a global scholar, and now to a certified Advocate of Uganda’s High Court, offers a message of hope — that no matter how far one travels, true service begins at home.
What Comes Next
As he begins this new chapter, Dr. Kiiza says he is focused on contributing to Uganda’s legal development, particularly in areas where access to justice remains a challenge. He intends to work closely with civil society, churches, government agencies, and the private sector to ensure the law serves people, not power.
“Now I am officially an advocate,” he said, standing outside the High Court building in Kampala. “But long before I got that title, I was already advocating — for truth, for fairness, for those whose voices are not heard. This is just the beginning.”
