Uganda Law Society Launches Techfest 2026: Digital Democracy Takes Center Stage

The Uganda Law Society Secretariat launched Techfest 2026 on Thursday, 20 August 2026. This is the second edition of the rebranded Annual Law Conference. The launch followed an earlier virtual session on legal enrollment hurdles and anti-corruption frameworks. The physical event at the ULS Secretariat featured live music from the Banzura Band and remarks from ULS council members and legal tech leaders.

This year's theme is "Digital Democracy: Advancing Access to Justice, Innovation, and Ethical Governance through Democracy." Techfest runs on 17 and 18 September 2026 at Munyonyo Commonwealth Speke Resort. Here are the key points highlighted Incase You Missed It

1. AI Is Now a Practice Requirement, Not an Option

   

Mr Joel Basoga, Chairperson of the Techfest Content Committee, told lawyers to master AI tools or risk falling behind. He noted that generative AI models have grown tenfold in capability over the last three and a half years. His message was direct: stop fearing hallucinations and start building ethical workflows around these tools.

Techfest will match that message with format. Expect 10-minute "hyper presentations" and live demonstrations of legal innovations every two hours. If you attend, you will see tools in action, not just slides about them.

Courts Are Going Paperless

The judiciary is moving from paper files to digital systems like ECCMIS. ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe pointed out that many lawyers and members of the public still struggle with this shift. Techfest is meant to close that gap before it widens further.

2. Mini-Techfests Bring the Conference to You

Last year's attendees flagged the cost of travel and accommodation as a barrier. The organizing committee responded with regional Mini-Techfests:

• Gulu, 14 September

• Mbarara, 15 September

• Mbale, 16 September

Innovators and students exhibit for free at these regional events, under a waiver granted by the Bar Council.

3. CLE Points and Registration

The main event carries 10 CLE hours. A Mini-Techfest attendance earns you 5 CLE points.

Early-bird registration closes Tuesday, 25 August 2026 at midnight:

• UGX 350,000 for senior lawyers

• UGX 300,000 for young lawyers

  
  

If you plan to attend, register before the deadline to lock in the lower rate.

Prizes and Closing Night

The committee, led by Mr Galandi Tony Kiire, promised bigger prizes than last year's Mercedes-Benz raffle. This year's list includes a land title deed for a property near the Kampala Central Business District, a new iPhone, and home appliances. The conference closes with a cocktail dinner and a performance from an international musician still to be announced.

What This Means for You

ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe closed the launch by declaring Techfest 2026 open and inviting bar members, partners, and innovators to Munyonyo this September.

If you practice law in Uganda, this conference sets the pace for how AI, paperless courts, and digital access to justice will shape your work over the next year.

The Launch at a glance