President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Tuma Adama Jabbi Esq., has launched her campaign for re-election by highlighting what she describes as two years of significant reforms aimed at strengthening the legal profession, improving members’ welfare, and enhancing the institutional capacity of the Association.
Running under the campaign message “I Am Tuma”, the incumbent President is calling on members of the Bar to renew her mandate, arguing that the progress achieved since assuming office in May 2024 requires continuity to consolidate ongoing reforms and safeguard the future of the legal profession.
According to her campaign, the SLBA has witnessed notable improvements in professional standards, administrative efficiency, intellectual development and member welfare under her leadership. The campaign maintains that the Association has evolved beyond preserving long-standing traditions to becoming a stronger institution committed to legal excellence, scholarship and the defence of democratic values and the rule of law.
One of the major achievements highlighted is the acquisition of land for the construction of the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s first permanent headquarters, a development described as a historic milestone in strengthening the Association’s institutional foundation. The campaign also credits the current administration with stabilising the Association’s finances through annual operational support and reinforcing the legitimacy of the elected SLBA executive while maintaining that the breakaway Lawyers Society has no legal standing.
The re-election campaign further points to several initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and professional development of lawyers across Sierra Leone. These include the introduction of a voluntary Private Pension Scheme in partnership with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), the facilitation of international scholarships and professional development opportunities for members, and proposals to introduce structured clerkships as part of the pupillage programme to support judges and magistrates while strengthening practical legal training.
The campaign also highlights the Association’s engagement with key national institutions, including regular consultations with successive Chief Justices, constructive collaboration with the Executive and Parliament, and strengthened relations with the Sierra Leone Police following a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police. It also notes Tuma Adama Jabbi’s continued advocacy for women’s empowerment and her stance against sexual and gender-based violence.
While acknowledging that her tenure has not been without challenges, supporters argue that the progress made over the past two years demonstrates effective leadership worthy of another term. They contend that continuity is necessary to sustain ongoing reforms, strengthen the legal profession and further enhance the welfare of lawyers throughout the country.
The campaign message emphasises that Tuma Adama Jabbi fulfilled key promises made during her first term by raising professional standards, expanding opportunities for lawyers through international scholarships and introducing the Private Pension Scheme. Supporters say these accomplishments provide a strong basis for her re-election.
Meanwhile, the SLBA President recently joined the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., and other legal practitioners in Parliament on Thursday, 16 July 2026, during the laying of the Legal Practitioners Bill, 2025.
The proposed legislation aims to consolidate and amend the laws governing the admission, enrollment, practice, and discipline of legal practitioners in Sierra Leone, while addressing other related matters affecting the legal profession.
Her participation in the parliamentary proceedings has been described by supporters as further evidence of the Association’s commitment to advancing legal reforms and strengthening the regulatory framework governing the legal profession.
As campaigning continues ahead of the Sierra Leone Bar Association elections, Tuma Adama Jabbi is urging members to support her bid for another term, maintaining that continuity in leadership will help preserve the gains already achieved while advancing a broader vision of professionalism, institutional growth and the rule of law within the legal community.