Who We Are

Woodcrest — Advocates, Tax & Advisory ("Woodcrest", "we", "us", "our") is a law firm registered and operating in Uganda. We are committed to protecting the personal information of our clients, website visitors, job applicants, and other individuals whose data comes into our possession in the course of our practice.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect personal information in connection with our website at woodcrest.ug and our related portals and services.

Registered office: 3rd Floor, Mt. Olive Country Mall, Kiwatule. Plot 163 Ntinda - Naalya Road, Kampala

Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal information:

• Identity and contact data — your name, email address, telephone number, and physical address, provided when you submit an enquiry, application, or request through our website or portals.
• Professional data — your organisation, role or title, and the nature of the matter or services you are enquiring about.
• Application data — CVs, cover letters, academic transcripts, and other documents submitted in connection with employment or clerkship applications.
• Usage and technical data — your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages visited on our website, collected automatically via server logs and analytics tools.
• Communications data — the content of emails, messages, and form submissions you send to us.
• Client matter data — information provided by or on behalf of clients in connection with legal mandates, including sensitive or confidential information, handled subject to legal professional privilege and our professional obligations.

We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal data (such as health, biometric, or financial account data) through our website unless you voluntarily provide it in the context of a specific matter.

How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:

• To respond to your enquiries, proposals, and requests for services.
• To provide legal, tax, and advisory services to clients.
• To assess and process employment, clerkship, and internship applications.
• To send our newsletter and legal insights where you have subscribed or consented.
• To operate and improve our website, portals, and internal systems.
• To comply with our professional and regulatory obligations under Ugandan law.
• To maintain conflict-of-interest checks and due diligence records as required by applicable law and our professional rules.
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of Woodcrest, our clients, or others.

We will not use your personal information for any purpose that is incompatible with the purposes for which it was collected, without your prior consent.

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information on the following legal grounds under applicable Ugandan data protection law and, where relevant, comparable international standards:

• Performance of a contract — where processing is necessary to deliver services you have engaged us to provide.
• Legitimate interests — where processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests, such as improving our website, managing our firm, and preventing fraud, provided those interests are not overridden by your rights.
• Legal obligation — where we are required to process data to comply with applicable laws, court orders, or regulatory requirements.
• Consent — where you have given clear, specific consent, such as subscribing to our newsletter. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us at info@woodcrest.ug.

Disclosure of Your Information

We treat your personal information with strict confidentiality. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. We may disclose your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers — trusted technology and service providers (such as cloud hosting, email, and CRM platforms, including Zoho) who process data on our behalf under appropriate data processing agreements.
• Professional advisors — barristers, co-counsel, experts, or other professionals engaged in connection with a specific client matter, subject to confidentiality obligations.
• Regulatory and legal requirements — the Uganda Law Society, courts, regulatory authorities, tax bodies, or law enforcement agencies where we are legally required to disclose.
• Business transfers — in the event of a merger, acquisition, or restructuring of our firm, subject to appropriate confidentiality protections.

Any third parties with whom we share personal data are required to handle it in accordance with applicable data protection laws and our instructions.

International Transfers

Some of our technology service providers (including Zoho Corporation) may process personal data on servers located outside Uganda. Where this occurs, we take appropriate steps to ensure that such transfers are subject to adequate safeguards, including contractual protections consistent with applicable data protection standards.

By submitting information through our website or portals, you acknowledge that your data may be transferred to and stored outside Uganda in connection with the services described in this policy.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, and in accordance with our professional and legal obligations:

• Client matter files — retained for a minimum of seven (7) years following the conclusion of a matter, or as required by applicable law or professional rules.
• Job and programme applications — retained for up to twelve (12) months following the conclusion of a recruitment process, unless we have obtained your consent to retain for longer.
• Website enquiries and correspondence — retained for up to three (3) years from the date of last contact.
• Newsletter subscriptions — retained until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent.

When personal data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised in accordance with our data management procedures.

Your Rights

Subject to applicable Ugandan data protection law, you have the following rights in relation to your personal data held by Woodcrest:

• Right of access — to request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to rectification — to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
• Right to erasure — to request deletion of your personal data where it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, subject to our professional and legal obligations.
• Right to restrict processing — to request that we limit the way in which we use your data in certain circumstances.
• Right to data portability — to receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format where processing is based on consent or contract.
• Right to object — to object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes.
• Right to withdraw consent — where processing is based on consent, to withdraw it at any time without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@woodcrest.ug. We will respond within thirty (30) days. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

Cookies

Our website uses minimal session-based storage to remember user preferences (such as whether you have dismissed the newsletter prompt). We do not currently use third-party tracking cookies or advertising cookies.

If you disable cookies or session storage in your browser, certain features of our website (such as navigation preferences) may not function as expected. Our use of storage does not involve the collection of personally identifiable information beyond that which you voluntarily provide.

Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, loss, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include access controls, secure data transmission protocols, and regular review of our information security practices.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. While we take reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee the absolute security of information transmitted to us electronically. If you believe your data has been compromised, please contact us immediately at info@woodcrest.ug.

Third-Party Links

Our website and portals may contain links to third-party websites, including our service providers such as Zoho. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed at children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe that a minor has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or applicable law. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last reviewed" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Your continued use of our website or services following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests relating to this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the website at woodcrest.ug (the "Site"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use ("Terms"). If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please discontinue use of the Site immediately.

These Terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access the Site. Woodcrest reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time without prior notice, and your continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of any such changes.

Use of the Website

You agree to use this Site only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of others. You must not:

• Use the Site in any way that violates any applicable local, national, or international law or regulation.
• Transmit any unsolicited or unauthorised advertising or promotional material.
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the Site, its servers, or any system connected to the Site.
• Use any automated means (including bots, scrapers, or crawlers) to access, collect, or copy content from the Site without Woodcrest's prior written consent.
• Reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit any content from the Site without authorisation.

Intellectual Property

All content on this Site, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and the Woodcrest name and brand mark, is the property of Woodcrest — Advocates, Tax & Advisory and is protected under applicable intellectual property and copyright laws of Uganda and international conventions.

No content may be reproduced, redistributed, published, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of Woodcrest, except for personal, non-commercial use for the purpose of accessing information about the Firm.

No Legal Advice

Materials, text, or any information on this website is not to be construed as legal advice. The content on this Site is provided for general informational and marketing purposes only. Nothing on this Site constitutes legal, tax, financial, or professional advice of any kind.

You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content on this Site without first seeking appropriate professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Contact us or visit our offices for any legal advice.

No Client Relationship

Accessing or using this website, submitting an enquiry through a contact form, or corresponding with Woodcrest via email does not establish an attorney-client relationship. No such relationship is created until Woodcrest has formally accepted an engagement in writing and any applicable conflict checks have been completed.

Unsolicited information submitted through this Site will not be treated as confidential and may not be protected by attorney-client privilege.

Third-Party Links

This Site may contain links to third-party websites for convenience. Woodcrest does not endorse, control, or take responsibility for the content, privacy practices, or accuracy of any third-party websites. Accessing third-party links is at your own risk.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Woodcrest, its partners, advocates, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or in connection with your use of this Site, including but not limited to:

• Reliance on information contained on this Site.
• Errors or inaccuracies in the content of the Site.
• Unauthorised access to or use of the Site's servers or any personal information stored therein.
• Interruption or cessation of access to the Site.
• Viruses or other harmful components transmitted through the Site.
• Any fraudulent activity or misrepresentation by third parties using or impersonating Woodcrest's identity or communications.

Woodcrest is not responsible for any loss or damage caused by third-party fraud, phishing, or impersonation. If you receive a suspicious communication purporting to be from Woodcrest, please contact us immediately at info@woodcrest.ug.

Privacy

Your use of this Site is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand our practices regarding the collection and use of personal information.

Changes to Terms

Woodcrest reserves the right to update or revise these Terms at any time. Changes take effect upon posting to the Site. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically. Continued use of the Site following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

Governing Law

These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Uganda. Any disputes arising in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Uganda.

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Policy Statement

Woodcrest — Advocates, Tax & Advisory ("Woodcrest", "the Firm") is committed to conducting all of its professional and business activities with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct. The Firm maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption in any form.

This policy applies globally and without exception, regardless of local custom, competitive pressure, or business opportunity.

Scope

This policy applies to all partners, advocates, employees, consultants, agents, contractors, and any person acting on behalf of Woodcrest, whether in Uganda or elsewhere. It covers all forms of business activity undertaken on behalf of the Firm.

Prohibition

Woodcrest, its partners, advocates, employees, consultants, and agents are strictly prohibited from:

• Offering, promising, giving, or authorising any bribe, kickback, facilitation payment, or improper advantage to any person, including public officials, clients, or counterparties.
• Requesting, agreeing to receive, or accepting any bribe, kickback, or improper advantage from any person in connection with the Firm's business or any client matter.
• Taking any action, whether directly or through a third party, that would constitute bribery or corruption under applicable law.

Applicable Law

Woodcrest complies with all applicable anti-corruption laws, including:

• The Anti-Corruption Act, Cap. 154 (Laws of Uganda)
• The Penal Code Act, Cap. 120 (Laws of Uganda)
• The Leadership Code Act (Laws of Uganda)
• The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)
• All other applicable international anti-bribery standards and conventions

Gifts & Hospitality

No gift, entertainment, or hospitality shall be offered to or accepted from any client, counterparty, public official, or third party where it could reasonably be construed as an attempt to improperly influence a business relationship or professional decision.

Modest, proportionate, and transparent gifts or hospitality (such as branded stationery or modest professional lunches) given openly and in accordance with normal business courtesies may be acceptable, but must never be offered with the intention or expectation of receiving any business advantage in return.

Third Parties

Woodcrest requires that all third parties acting on its behalf — including agents, introducers, and subcontractors — comply with applicable anti-bribery laws. We conduct appropriate due diligence on third parties before engagement and include anti-bribery obligations in relevant contractual arrangements.

Reporting

Any person who suspects a breach of this policy, or who is offered or solicited for a bribe in connection with the Firm's affairs, is strongly encouraged to report the matter immediately to the Firm's managing partner or through the following contact:

All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality. Woodcrest does not tolerate retaliation against any person who makes a good-faith report under this policy.

Consequences

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination of engagement or employment. Woodcrest reserves the right to report violations to the appropriate regulatory or law enforcement authorities, including the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and the Uganda Police Force.

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Corporate Structure

Woodcrest Advocates is a Partnership registered under the Business Names Registration Act, Cap. 105 of the Laws of Uganda, 2023. It is a law firm providing legal representation, advocacy, and advisory services to clients in Uganda and across the region.

Woodcrest Advisory Limited is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, Cap. 106 of the Laws of Uganda, 2023. It provides tax advisory, management consulting, business process outsourcing, risk advisory, and related professional services.

Woodcrest Advocates and Woodcrest Advisory Limited operate collectively under the brand name Woodcrest — Advocates, Tax & Advisory.

Registered Office: 3rd Floor, Mt. Olive Country Mall, Kiwatule. Plot 163 Ntinda - Naalya Road, Kampala

Regulatory Status

Woodcrest Advocates and its advocates are enrolled as Advocates of the High Court of Uganda and are active members of both the Uganda Law Society and the East African Law Society. The Firm's legal practice is regulated by the Uganda Law Council in accordance with the Advocates Act, Cap. 267 of the Laws of Uganda.

Woodcrest Advisory Limited is registered and operates in accordance with the Companies Act, Cap. 106, and applicable Ugandan tax and professional services regulations.

Woodcrest's Certified Public Accountants are active members of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) and are regulated in accordance with the Accountants Act and the professional standards set by ICPAU.

Woodcrest's Valuers and Surveyors are registered active members of the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU) and are regulated in accordance with the Surveyors Registration Act and ISU professional standards.

Website Disclaimer

The information contained on this website is provided for general informational and marketing purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice of any kind and should not be relied upon as such. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing, browsing, or using this website.

No Legal Advice

Materials, text, or any information on this website is not to be construed as legal advice. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content on this website without obtaining specific professional advice tailored to your circumstances. Contact us or visit our offices for any legal advice.

No Warranty

While Woodcrest endeavours to keep the information on this website accurate and current, we make no representations or warranties of any kind — express or implied — about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information, products, services, or related materials contained herein.

Access to the website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We do not warrant that the website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from viruses or other harmful components.

Fraud Warning

Woodcrest will never request payment from individuals in exchange for employment, clerkship, or internship opportunities. We are not responsible for fraudulent job advertisements, unsolicited communications, or any other misuse of our name or brand by third parties.

We will not accept liability for any loss, damage, or harm resulting from third-party fraud, phishing, impersonation, or deception — including financial loss resulting from fraudulent instructions purporting to come from Woodcrest. If you receive a suspicious communication, please contact us immediately at info@woodcrest.ug.

Intellectual Property

All content on this website — including text, graphics, and the Woodcrest name and logo — is the property of Woodcrest and is protected under applicable intellectual property laws. No part of this website may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form without prior written consent from Woodcrest.

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Our Commitment to Security

Woodcrest — Advocates, Tax & Advisory is committed to maintaining robust information security practices that protect our clients, our people, and the integrity of our professional services. We recognise that in the legal and advisory sectors, the confidentiality and security of client information is both a professional obligation and a fundamental duty of trust.

This statement sets out our approach to security across our systems, communications, and operational practices.

Data Protection

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal and confidential data against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Access controls and role-based permissions across all systems and platforms.
• Secure, encrypted communication channels for client correspondence where applicable.
• Use of reputable, enterprise-grade cloud platforms (including Zoho) with established data security certifications.
• Regular review of data management procedures and vendor security postures.
• Staff training and awareness on data protection obligations and safe communication practices.

Our data practices are further described in our Privacy Policy.

Client Confidentiality

All information shared with Woodcrest in connection with a client engagement is treated as strictly confidential. Our advocates and staff are bound by professional confidentiality obligations under the Advocates Act, the rules of the Uganda Law Society, and our internal confidentiality policies.

We do not disclose client information to third parties except where required by law, by court order, or with the client's express consent.

Platform Security

Our client and staff portals are built on Zoho Creator, a cloud platform that maintains enterprise-grade security infrastructure including data encryption at rest and in transit, multi-factor authentication, and regular penetration testing. Access to our portals is restricted to authorised users through credential-based and SSO authentication mechanisms.

Our website is served over HTTPS. We recommend that all users access our website and portals from secure, up-to-date browsers and avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive information.

Fraud & Impersonation Warning

Woodcrest will never request payment, bank account details, or personal financial information via unsolicited email, SMS, or messaging platforms. We will never request money in exchange for employment opportunities.

If you receive any communication purporting to be from Woodcrest that:

• Requests payment, a transfer of funds, or sensitive financial information
• Uses a domain or email address other than @woodcrest.ug
• Asks you to act urgently or in secret
• Offers employment, a grant, or a prize without prior contact

please treat it with extreme caution and contact us immediately. Woodcrest accepts no liability for loss or harm arising from fraudulent communications by third parties impersonating our Firm.

Incident Response

In the event of a suspected security incident, data breach, or compromise of our systems or client information, Woodcrest will act promptly to investigate and contain the incident, notify affected individuals where required by law, and take remedial action to prevent recurrence.

If you believe you have identified a security vulnerability in our website or systems, please report it responsibly to admin@woodcrest.ug. We are committed to addressing legitimate security disclosures promptly and in good faith.

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