Newly appointed Attorney General, Dr. Sam Mayanja, has offered a detailed account of his rise in the legal profession, crediting disciplined practice, quality-driven service, and selective recruitment for the success of his law firm, KAA Advocates.
Speaking during an interview with lawyer Ellison Karuhanga on JCS Conversations on Wednesday night, Mayanja said the foundation of the firm was built on a deliberate decision to prioritize excellence over aggressive client acquisition.
“When we sat down to found what became KAA Advocates, we made one decision: we shall emphasize only quality. We shall not go anywhere chasing work. We shall just sit here, produce quality work, and our reputation will give us work,” he said.
According to Mayanja, that approach soon translated into high-profile mandates and institutional recognition in Uganda’s legal and financial sectors.
He cited Centenary Bank as one of the early major assignments the firm handled during a period of financial distress.
“We got Centenary Bank when it was on the verge of collapse. We handled it, blew it back to life. We got Tropical Bank. We designed the Condominium Law. We were the top taxpayer for service companies for several years,” he added.
The Attorney General also highlighted the firm’s influence in shaping Uganda’s legal and regulatory framework, particularly through contributions to financial sector stability and property law reforms.
His remarks underscored the intersection between private legal practice and national economic governance.
Beyond institutional work, Mayanja emphasized what he described as a deliberate strategy for talent development, saying the firm focuses on recruiting top academic performers from legal training institutions.
“We had a dream to attract the best young people. These days we don't even advertise. We go to the law centre, ask who got the highest marks, and say okay, you can have a place at KAA,” he said.
He further asserted the firm’s reputation within Uganda’s legal industry, suggesting that it has become a key reference point for aspiring legal professionals.
“If you don't go through KAA now, you have not consulted in Uganda,” he remarked.