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Disputes expert James Mukasa Sebugenyi becomes Managing Partner of DLA Piper Africa’s Uganda office
Established in 1980, S&L Advocates is one of the oldest and largest law firms in Uganda, and a member firm of DLA Piper Africa. Yesterday it announced James Mukasa Sebugenyi has taken the baton from longstanding Managing Partner Barnabas Tumusingize to lead the firm into its exciting future
The leadership of James Mukasa Sebugenyi, SC will play a pivotal role in guiding DLA Piper Africa’s Uganda office (S&L Advocates) into its next chapter of growth and innovation, said Peter Somekh, Managing Director of DLA Piper Africa, yesterday, as the firm unveiled Mukasa’s appointment as Managing Partner, effective 1 January.
Mukasa led the Uganda office’s Dispute Resolution Practice from 2010 to 2025, and has succeeded Barnabas Tumusingize, who served for 19 years as Managing Partner and was instrumental in the firm’s transformational growth and reputation.
“James brings exceptional expertise and a forward‑looking perspective that aligns with our ambition to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s social and economic development, while creating sustainable impact for our people, clients and communities,” added Somekh.
A graduate of Makerere University, with certifications in trial advocacy from US institutions, Mukasa said he was honoured to be entrusted with the important role.
“I look forward to building on our strong foundation of excellence and integrity, supporting clients as they navigate Uganda’s dynamic market, and contributing to Africa’s broader economic transformation,” he said. “Our commitment to delivering outstanding legal and client service remains steadfast.”
Mukasa specialises in dispute resolution (litigation and arbitration) and has participated in significant cases covering commercial contracts, real estate and product liability, and in specialised spheres such as constitutional law, property fraud, telecommunications, energy, expropriated properties, utilities, employee benefits, and aviation negligence.
One of the leading firms in Uganda, DLA Piper Africa, Uganda (S&L Advocates) has a varied and prestigious client base including local and multinational organisations across the financial services, energy, insurance, telecommunications, construction, private equity and manufacturing sectors, along with industry regulators, international financiers, the Ugandan Government, and governmental agencies.
Drawing on his governance expertise, Mukasa has held multiple executive leadership roles prior to his appointment as Managing Partner of S&L Advocates.
He is a Past President of the Uganda Law Society (2011–2013), and previously served on the Law Council, the national regulator of legal practice, and the Management Committee of the Law Development Centre, Uganda’s postgraduate bar training institution. He has also been a board chair and governance committee lead.
“James is an accomplished lawyer and proven leader,” said James Kamau, Chair of DLA Piper Africa. “His strategic insight, deep firm management understanding and depth of expertise in legal practice will bring tremendous value to the firm.”
DLA Piper Africa is confident in Mukasa’s ability to lead the Ugandan office, added Kamau, and to deliver exceptional client service while advancing their pan-African vision for legal services excellence and effective collaboration.
DLA Piper Africa, a Swiss verein whose members are comprised of independent law firms, operates in 20 countries across the continent, offering unrivalled local skill and presence, backed by the resources of DLA Piper, one of the world's largest law firms.