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HURIPEC Convenes Stakeholders to Discuss Militarization, Sustainable Growth & Peace In Uganda

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The Human Rights and Peace Centre (HURIPEC) hosted a Multi Stakeholder engagement on militarisation, sustainable growth and peace in Uganda. The event was held on Wednesday, 17th November 2021 to discuss the question, ‘Is the growing militarization of Uganda’s civilian institutions necessary for development and compatible with human rights and democracy?’ This was hosted under the auspices of HURIPEC’s collaborative research project – Security, Peace and Development in partnership with the Centre for Resolution of International Conflicts (CRIC) at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Established in 1993, HURIPEC is a semi-autonomous centre and department under the School of Law (SoL), Makerere University. HURIPEC is an academic teaching unit that oversees the teaching of human rights and human rights related courses. The centre is also a research and activist engine, aiming to generate human rights conscious law graduates sensitive about relevant human rights, peace and governance issues in Uganda.

Major General Henry Matsiko – National Political Commissar, UPDF
Major General Henry Matsiko – National Political Commissar, UPDF

The multi-stakeholder engagement was an opportunity to explore the role of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) In the country’s development agenda. Panelists presenting at the event included academia, civil society and the UPDF to discuss the nature, extent and rationale of the UPDF’ involvement in development. There has been an increasing role and appointment of UPDF to lead institutions in agriculture, fisheries, health, roads and construction, police among others.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Zahara Nampewo – Director, HURIPEC explained that ‘we are seeing an increasing role of the security sector in Uganda’s development. However, as we recognized at the start of the project in 2019, security in development is profoundly under-examined, both theoretically and empirically in the larger development context’. The project therefore is undertaking to provide a deeper understanding of the role of security actors, both within Uganda and regionally in development.

Dr. Zahara Nampewo – Director, HURIPEC, School of Law, Makerere University.
Dr. Zahara Nampewo – Director, HURIPEC, School of Law, Makerere University.

Dr. Nampewo stressed the importance of partnerships for successful implementation of the project and appreciated their partners at CRIC for this worthwhile academic engagement. She also thanked the Principal – SoL, Makerere University Management for the support extended to HURIPEC in implementing the project. She also thanked the HURIPEC team for organizing the event and to all the participants who attended.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Christopher Mbazira – Principal, SoL welcomed Prof- Umar Kakumba – DVC Academic Affairs, Makerere University who represented the Vice Chancellor. He thanked the University Management for the support accorded to SoL. He also thanked all the participants for honoring the invitation to attend the engagement. Prof. Mbazira highlighted the importance of the discussions at the event owing to the inclusion of Security and Governance as a key Programme of the National Development Plan (NDP) III.

Prof. Christopher Mbazira, Principal, School of Law, Makerere University.
Prof. Christopher Mbazira, Principal, School of Law, Makerere University.

He reiterated that there has been limited research on security and its effect on development thus the SoL is compelled to study this area to contribute evidence on the role of the Military on development. Prof. Mbazira highlighted that while there is a lot of data on the militarisation of police, there is limited research regarding military in fisheries, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), revenue collection among others. The Principal welcomed the partnership with CRIC, thanking Prof. Ole from CRIC who attended the meeting.

Prof. Ole Wæver – CRIC, University of Copenhagen said that a lot of research has been done together with HURIPEC and expressed their happiness to continue the partnership considering the results and data produced.

Prof. Ole Wæver – CRIC, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Prof. Ole Wæver – CRIC, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Ms. Ann Sophie Oxlund – 1st Secretary, Royal Danish Embassy, Uganda congratulated the HURIPEC and CRIC for the work done to understand the intersection of military, governance, development and democracy. She noted that it is important for the government to respect democracy, freedom of expression and human rights. She also reiterated that DANIDA is happy to support the project and looks forward to the results of the research conducted; the academia and civil society should continue to engage the military and other security agencies on how to get a better understanding of what is happening in Uganda.

The engagement was officially opened by Prof. Umar Kakumba – Deputy Vice Chancellor/Academic Affairs, Makerere University who represented the Vice Chancellor. He thanked SoL and HURIPEC for organizing the event to discuss the important issues pertaining to security and development.

Prof. Fredrick Jjuuko, School of Law, one of the day's panelists.
Prof. Fredrick Jjuuko, School of Law, one of the day’s panelists.

Prof. Kakumba noted that ‘development is a key issue for a country but it can’t be achieved without peace and security’ He thanked the organisers for inviting the security agencies to be part of the discussions. The Makerere University Strategic Plan is premised on the role of Makerere as a leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation and thus the discussions here contribute to knowledge generation and ranking of the university, the Deputy Vice Chancellor highlighted.

He also noted that HURIPEC is one of the flagship units for Makerere University for research and publications directly contributing to the university’ ranking. Prof. Kakumba further noted that Makerere is well-position to provide policy advice an contribute to important conversations for the country.

Prof. Sallie Simba – Department of Political Science, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), one of the day's panelists.
Prof. Sallie Simba – Department of Political Science, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), one of the day’s panelists.

He welcomed the support from the Royal Danish Embassy and partnership with CRIC. He thanked Prof. Mbazira and colleagues for taking Makerere University out of the Ivory Tower and contributing to national development.

Panelists presenting at the event included: Ms. Sarah Bireete – Director, Centre for Constitutional Governance, Major General Henry Matsiko – National Political Commissar, UPDF, Brigadier General Felix Kulaigye – Director Mindset Change, OWC, Prof. Fredrick Jjuuko – SoL, Prof. Sallie Simba – Department of Political Science, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The moderator was Mr. Charles Odongtho.

Brigadier General Felix Kulaigye – Director Mindset Change, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
Brigadier General Felix Kulaigye – Director Mindset Change, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).

Some of the issues arising from the presentations and discussions included:

  • As a country we do not know whether there can be change of government without involvement of the army.
  • Citizens have to speak freely and hold leaders to account.
  • There is need to define the role of the army in engaging civilian institutions.
  • Militarisation is derogatory word.
  • The army has been assigned to undertake the tasks because civilian managers have failed in some cases
  • The involvement of the army in national development shouldn’t be an issue to cause anxiety.
  • Lessons are present for Uganda as seen from the advances by the ‘Asian Tigers’ where the army has greatly contributed to national development.
  • The nation must learn from the circumstances that led to 1966 attack of the Lubiri nd more recently in 2017 attack of the Rwenzururu Palace by the army otherwise the same mistakes will be repeated.
  • The institutions like Parliament have abdicated their role to hold army to account.
  • There is ‘civilianization’ of the military rather than ‘militarisation’ of society
Ms. Sarah Bireete – Director, Centre for Constitutional Governance
Ms. Sarah Bireete – Director, Centre for Constitutional Governance

The meeting ended with calls for an understanding of the exit strategy of the army’s involvement in civilian works and the implication of military involvement on democracy, peace, security among other sectors. There is also the need to understand how to harness the UPDF as a resource for development in Uganda. ‘How do we work together amicably?’

Dr. Zahara Nampewo closed the meeting and thanked all the participants and panelists for  the presentations, discussions and attending the engagement. She reiterated that ‘this is only a scratch of the surface and we hope to host more of these conversations’

Zaam Ssali is the Principal Communication Officer SoL & MakCHS

Zaam Ssali

Law

School of Law Annual Report 2024

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Cover page of the School of Law Annual Report for 2024. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

It is my pleasure to share the School of Law Annual Report for 2024. The report highlights the major activities undertaken and the key outputs realized in light of our core mandate of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and community outreach.

I am happy to report that we successfully implemented all scheduled activities concerning teaching and learning. These included teaching, continuous assessments, final examinations, orientation for new students, field attachment for our LLB III students and graduation among others. At the 74th graduation ceremony held in January 2024, the School of Law presented 285 graduands (1 Doctor of Laws, 20 Master of Laws and 264 Bachelor of Laws). During this ceremony, Hon. Justice Fredrick Egonda Ntende and Hon. Betty Bigombe whom the School of Law had recommended, received their Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees of Makerere University for their distinguished service and contribution to society. The School of Law is very proud of these distinguished citizens. We thank Makerere University Council for having approved their awards.

Our students continued to excel in the different national and international moot court competitions. During the Phillip Jessup International Law Moot Competition held in Washington in April 2024, Makerere University School of Law was recognized as the highest ranked team from Africa. In the area of research, our faculty undertook a number of research projects and published many scholarly articles and research reports on different subjects. I congratulate them for the research outputs realized.

The Judiciary of Uganda and the Parliament of Uganda are some of our key partners and stakeholders. During the reporting period, through our staff and students, the School of Law participated in and contributed to a number of activities organized by these two arms of Government. Key among these included the Africa Judiciaries’ Summit on Alternative Dispute Resolution (5th March 2024), the 7th Annual National Plea Bargaining Conference (21st June 2024), the Alternative Dispute Resolution Week (5th – 9th August), the Family Justice Summit (12th -13th August 2024) and the 7th Chief Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture. In May 2024, our students appeared before the Health Committee of Parliament and presented their views on the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill, 2023.

Through mainly our different advocacy and outreach entities including the Public Interest Law
Clinic (PILAC), the Refugee Law Project (RLP) and the Human Rights & Peace Centre (HURIPEC) our staff and students conducted and participated in a number of community outreach activities. Key among these included: training of police officers on juvenile justice; training of judicial officers on juvenile justice; providing legal aid services to female prisoners in Luzira Prison; and conducting the Administrative Law short course for public officers in various parts of the country.

In December 2024, the First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha
Museveni officially opened our new School of Law building. The three-storied building has several facilities including staff offices, lecture rooms, seminar rooms, state of art moot court room, a library, a lactation room and a cafeteria. These facilities will greatly enhance the teaching and learning environment at our School, which is key to providing high-quality legal education and training. The building worth 7.3 billion UGX was fully funded by the Government of Uganda.

I thank the Government of Uganda, Makerere University Council, Makerere University Top
Administration and all our partners and well-wishers for the continued support that enables us to implement our programme of work. I also thank my fellow leaders and colleagues at the School of Law for the support and participation in the different activities.

As We Build for the Future

Ronald Naluwairo, PhD
Associate Professor
PRINCIPAL

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Pre-Entry Examinations for Admission to Bachelor of Laws 2025/26

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Students sit for an exam in the pre-COVID era, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

The Academic Registrar Makerere University announces that the Pre-Entry Examination for admission to the Bachelor of Laws for 2025/2026 will be held on Saturday 12th April, 2025 from 9am – 12pm.

To be eligible to sit the examination, Applicants must possess the minimum admission requirements of the University, and any one of the following specific requirements:

  1. A’ Level leavers: Must hold an ‘O’ Level Certificate (UCE) or its equivalent with at least 5 Passes plus ‘A’ Level Certificate (UACE) or its equivalent having obtained a minimum of 13 points (Males) and 12 points (for Females) in any ‘A’ Level combination for both Humanities and Sciences. Candidates who did ‘A’ Level before 2013 should have 15 and 14 points for male and female applicants respectively.
  2. Diploma Holders: Must possess at least a 2nd Class or Credit Diploma from a recognised institution. Certified Copies of Diploma Transcripts (No Provisional Results) from the Awarding Institutions must be attached to the Application Forms.
  3. Mature Age Applicants: Must have passed the Makerere University Mature Age Entry Examination (for Bachelor of Laws) for February 24, 2024 and December 14, 2024.
  4. Degree Holders: Must be graduates in any Discipline from a Chartered University. Certified Copies of Degree Transcripts (No Provisional Results) from the Awarding Institutions must be attached to the Application Forms. (Degree holders are not eligible for Government sponsorship)

Note:

  • All applicants wishing to be admitted to the Bachelor of Laws programme offered by Makerere University are required to sit and pass the pre-entry examination of Makerere University.
  • All applicants interested in Government sponsorship, must have applied for Bachelor of Laws( LAW) by filling in the Government application form. All applicants interested in Private Sponsorship for Bachelor of Laws (LAW) -Day and Afternoon (LLA) will apply afresh when the advert comes out.
  • All applicants who hold diplomas and degrees must present a certified copy of the academic transcript. Provisional results shall not be accepted to register for this examination.
  • Applicants should note that admission is based on performance in the pre-entry examination and intake capacities for private day and private afternoon for all categories i.e. ‘A’ level, Diploma Holder, Mature Age, Degree holder and international applicants.
  • All applicants must attach a PDF Format of scanned copies of their original academic documents, original identification documents (A’ level former school IDs, the rest should have valid IDs s ) and the most recent coloured passport size photograph with a white background as shall be specified on the online application portal.
  • Each Applicant MUST without fail avail his/her e-mail address and an active mobile phone number that will be used appropriately as may be required to reach out to her/him in case of any communication after submitting the application. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check with the e-mail address/ mobile phone number availed/ application account(portal) for any future communication/information.
  • All Applicants with visual impairment are advised to come with laptops installed with the computer BRAIL Programme which they will use to write/sit for their pre-entry examination.

Further information detailing how to submit the application are contained in the document below:

The closing date for submitting the completed online Application Forms is Thursday 10th April, 2025.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Law

75th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University: SoL Best Performing Students, Alado attains 1st Class

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A Montage of the Best Overall LLB Student of the 75th Graduation Ceremony, Mr. Alado Lawrence who attained a First Class Degree with a CGPA of 4.56 and the Best LLB Female Student, Ms. Nakalema Stella Maris who attained a Second Upper Class Degree with a CGPA of 4.26. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

At the 75th Graduation Makerere University School of Law (SoL) presented a total of 285 graduands including (3) Doctor of Laws (LLD), (48) Master of Laws (LLM) and (234) Bachelor of Laws (LLB). 

The Bachelor of Laws awardees were 98 female and 136 male. Mr. Alado Lawrence emerged the best student among the LLB class attaining a 1st Class degree with a CGPA of 4.56; Ms. Nakalema Stella Maris who attained a Second Upper Class was the best performing female student with a CGPA of 4.26.

Best LLB Graduand: Alado Lawrence

Alado Lawrence, a humble soft-spoken gentleman who hails from Lira District in the northern region of Uganda emerged the best student attaining a 1st Class for the LLB with a CGPA of 4.56 out of 5.00. First class degrees are very rare at SoL; Lawrence is the 15th graduand to have attained this class of degree since 1971 when Makerere University produced the first LLBs.

Mr. Alado Lawrence, best performing LLB student who attained a 1st Class degree. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Alado Lawrence, best performing LLB student who attained a 1st Class degree.

Lawrence is number four in a family of 6 children born to Mr. Okio Patrick (businessman) and Mrs. Angom Juspine Okio (a farmer).

In his words, he hopes to specialize in International Law; his inspiration is the environment he witnessed in his community following the Kony insurgence and war which lasted over a decade. The situation was dire with families separated, displaced communities, abduction of children, deaths and widespread poverty in the region.

When asked if he thought he would perform highly when he joined SoL, he said, ‘initially no, because everyone said the LLB was hard. However, he worked hard and got the results’. I am grateful to the support from my father and mother, lecturers and collegiality of fellow classmates, he added.

His message to other students, “Each of us, by taking actions in our lives, can achieve impossible results. Our dreams are not beyond reach and by diligence and determination, we can not only accomplish them but even exceed them. Therefore, I encourage every dreamer to take relentless action and never give up. Everything is possible to whoever believes it so”.

Best Female Graduand: Nakalema Stella Maris

Nakalema Stella Maris is a cheerful lady with a twinkle in her eye, she emerged the best performing female student for the LLB attaining a Second Class Upper with a CGPA of 4.26 out of 5.00.

Stella Maris hails from Buvuma District, the 3rd child among 4 children born to Mr. Nsubuga William (an Economist) and Ms. Nagujja Judith (a teacher).

Ms. Nakalema Stella Maris, best performing female LLB student. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Nakalema Stella Maris, best performing female LLB student.

Her message to other students, “Success in law school is not just about talent but about consistency, discipline, and resilience. My journey has taught me the importance of hard work, collaboration, and learning from others. To my fellow students, remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every setback is a lesson in disguise. Don’t fear the challenges; embrace them. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for progress. Stay curious, remain humble, and never lose sight of the values that make you passionate about the law. Together, we can inspire change and build a better society. The best is yet to come!”

Congratulations to all the SoL high performers, a further 13 LLB graduands also attained Second Class Upper.   

Zaam Ssali

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