Law society launches fund to support members' welfare

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has launched a Health and Benevolent Fund, aimed at supporting its members during times of illness and other difficulties.

This initiative marks a significant milestone for the society, reflecting its commitment to the welfare of its members.

The launch of this fund is seen as a crucial relief measure by many lawyers, providing much-needed support in cases of dire need.

The transition from courtroom advocacy to establishing a healthcare and benevolent fund underscores the ULS’s dedication to its members’ well-being.

"From campaigns conducted from all regions, members have been asking for the welfare fund, " said Bernard Oundo, the president of the Uganda Law Society.

Nimwesiga Mable, the acting CEO of the ULS Health and Benevolent Fund, emphasized the fund’s goal to assist members who are critically ill or facing tough times.

Oundo  introduced the inaugural board of the fund, including Ms. Lydia Oceng Lydia Obbo as the chairperson, Dr. Elizabeth Ekochu, economist Allan N. Wetebe, Miss Barbara Kitui, Ms. Namale Mary, and Mr. Philip Munaabi, an advocate of the High Court of Uganda.

Oundo, however, cautioned lawyers to manage their expectations, highlighting that the fund will also focus on various investment opportunities.

He noted that the ULS aims to grow the fund to match the level of similar regional initiatives.

So far, the fund has raised shs 400 million from member subscriptions.

Each member is required to contribute shs75,000 to the fund, alongside an annual subscription of shs25,000 .

The fund aims to provide up to shs3 million  to the family of a member who passes away and has set an ambitious target to accumulate shs5 billion within five years.