Law
Training on Refugee Rights & Protection Successfully Held
The School of Law (SoL) Clinical Legal Education (CLE) Class of 2021 was hosted by the Refugee Law Project (RLP) for a training on refugee law and rights on the 15th December 2021. The training held at JFrigh Hotel covered topics like sexual violence, legal framework on refugees, trafficking of persons, rights and obligations, transformative justice among others. The sessions were interactive and students kept engaged through the training. The training was well facilitated and as noted by one student Ms. Kemigisha Lizzan, “We were given breakfast, lunch and evening tea which helped us to keep focused since hunger was not an issue. We surely look forward to another training soon.”
On day one of the training, the students were welcomed by Ms. Susan Alupo and the team from RLP who explained what the project entails. Ms. Alupo explained that areas covered include: Access to justice, capacity building, empowerment, mental health, gender and sexuality.Introductions for all members in attendance were conducted and their expectations from the training were given including: To know the legal frame work to protect the refugees; To discuss on the sufficiency of the law in Uganda to protect the rights of refugees; To know the rights and obligations of refugees To know the experiences of refugees in Uganda; To understand the relationship between refugees and the host communities; To discover the role that students can play in refugee protection; and To learn more about transitional justice and how effective it is in resolving conflict.
Ms. Tina Kalitanyi facilitated Session 1: Introduction to Forced Migration and Legal Frameworks on the Protection of Refugees. Ms. Kalitanyi presented to the students the international, regional and domestic legal framework of refugee law. The presentation highlighted; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1951 Convention on the State of Refugees, the 1967 optional protocol and guiding principles, the 1969 O.A.U Convention, the 1995 Uganda constitution, the Uganda National Internally Displaced Persons policy, the Refugee Act and Refugee regulations. The REHOP policy was also pointed out as the policy that requires 70 percent of assistance to refugees and 30percent to host communities while assisting refugees.
Session two covered Rights and Obligations of Refugees while In the host country. This session commenced with a documentary titled ‘Human Lava’ after which students discussed their opinions on the contents of the video. Some of the aspects pointed out included: registration of refugees at the transit centres which are the border areas where refugees converge first; special needs groups are given attention and priority; relationships with the local people is tense at times because refugees are seen as competition for resources as well as destruction of property at the places they settle. It was concluded that refugees enjoy all rights that are enjoyed by citizens. However, they cannot participate in the politics of their host country because that would create tension in the settlements. Refugees are allowed to vote for their leaders in the settlements as well as own land on leasehold. The obligations of refugees include to respect the laws of Uganda and to pay taxes if involved in gainful employment.
Dr. David Tshimba Facilitated Session 3; Understanding Human Trafficking In the Context of Forced Migration. The session covered the definition of trafficking of persons highlighted the legal framework against trafficking of persons. The protocols covered included the Banjul Convention, the Palermo Protocol, 2000, the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNCTOC), the Uganda Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (PTIP), 2009. Dr. Tshimba pointed out the criticisms of the Parlemo convention for the prevention, suppression and punishment of perpetrators of trafficking in persons and this is that it focuses on prosecution and ignores restitution or assistance of victims of human trafficking. A discussion on the problems that are advancing the phenomenon of trafficking in persons was conducted like the advancement of technology and the internet which grants anonymity and disregards geopolitics, a hard to regulate globalization where it is not easy to enforce these International laws as compared to National laws.
Session 4: Understanding Conflict- Related Sexual Violence was facilitated by Ms. Doreen Oyella highlighting sexual violence in the context of conflict (SVC); potential perpetrators of SVC; victims/ survivors of SVC and what makes them vulnerable. It was noted that sexual violence is used as a weapon of war, to cause terror, to assert power and as a systematic attack against communities. It was also discussed that perpetrators can be soldiers including state soldiers, civilians. The facilitator took the students through the misconceptions on sexual violence which include that men cannot be raped.
The training continued on day two with a recap of work covered on day 1 where students talked about the take away from the previous sessions and Mr. Veve Richard thanked them for paying attention and being good learners. The sessions for day 2 included Understanding Mental Health in the Context of Forced Migration facilitated by Mr. Akulla Ssubi and Understanding Conflict, Transitional Justice and forced Migration facilitated by Mr. Veve Richard.
Ms. Devota Nuwe, Head of Programmes at Refugee Law Project gave the final marks thanking the students and facilitators for attending the training. Group pictures were also taken for record purposes. The students cut a cake to mark the end of the training. The students thanked the team from Refugee Law project because all their expectations were met during the training.
Makerere University School of Law (SoL) held its orientation meeting for the Master of Laws (LLM) 1st year students on the 13th August 2025 in the SoL Auditorium. SoL leadership, Department of Academic Registrar (AR) and Makerere University Directorate of Graduate Training facilitated the meeting.
In his address to the students, Dr. Busingye Kabumba – Head, Human Rights and Peace Centre and SoL Graduate Studies Coordinator welcomed the LLM students to Makerere University and SoL. “I wish to remind you that one plus one equals two, the students must do their bit and we as staff pledge to do our bit. I encourage you to attend classes, handle all assignments on time, and it is my hope that you comply with the University policies”, Dr Busingye Kabumba advised.
He implored the students to hit the ground running and be committed to their studies. “SoL has organised that proposal defence is in year one – semester two so that students have working drafts by year two, this will allow you to finish the programme on time”, he said. Dr. Busingye Kabumba referenced a precedent where a student completed his LLM within one and half years at SoL, which showed that completion in less than two years is possible with commitment.
“It is my honour and pleasure to welcome you through the gates of Makerere; I also congratulate you on your admission to LLM, we had so many applicants but we only admitted 124. You don’t choose Makerere but she chooses you. You are lucky to be taught by the legal brains at SoL, all recognized academics in their areas of specialty”, Dr. Zahara Nampewo – Deputy Dean, SoL said in her welcome remarks.
Dr. Nampewo advised the students thus, “This is a 2-year (4 semester) study programme, consider this to be day one of your new story book, you have been admitted in 2025 and it is our hope that you will be graduating in January 2028”.
She further added, “You have your reasons as to why you are enrolling for the LLM and which you wish to fulfill, I therefore take this opportunity to underscore the importance of hard work, determination and resilience. Take the LLM as a full-time engagement, allow us to teach you and help us to help you”.
Dr. Nampewo encouraged the students to partake in the various opportunities at SoL besides academics, specifically highlighting the summer schools that students have attended in Europe with support from partners. She also told the students to note that Makerere is a sexual harassment free institution; exclusivity, equal opportunity, gender balance are core values of the University.
Highlighting that SoL has an open-door policy, students were advised to talk to their lecturers for support when challenges arise. “Nothing is insurmountable, every journey starts with a small step”, Dr. Nampewo said.
In his remarks, the Dean-SoL, Assoc. Professor Ronald Naluwairo welcomed the LLM students to Makerere University and congratulated them on the admission to our distinguished LLM programme. He said, “LLM is quiet demanding but doable, a level of commitment and resilience is required. I urge you to attend all your classes”.
Assoc. Professor Naluwairo told the students, regardless of whichever law school you attended for your Bachelor of Laws (LLB), you are now at a Centre of Legal Excellence, work and support one another. “On behalf of SoL, we commit total support to ensure that you succeed in your studies, I also urge you to take responsibility, read and be willing to work”, the Dean advised.
Dr. Mike Barongo, Deputy Registrar in Charge of ICT Division, represented the Academic Registrar’ Department; welcoming the students, he said “this is a great place to be, a premier law school”. He explained to the students what the role of the AR’ Department entails, including application, admission, registration, custody of student records and graduation.
Dr. Barongo highlighted key tasks for new students: activation of students portal, enrolling for recognition as a student, generating payment reference numbers. He advised that where challenges are experienced, the School Registrars are available for support as well as a Support Centre at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) by Makerere University Directorate of ICT.
“Keep your eyes on the goal of why you are here, leave with a master’s degree”, Mr. Laban Lwasa, SoL Registrar told the students. He congratulated them on their excellent performance which earned them a place on the LLM programme. Elucidating the role of the registrar, he said, “We receive you, track your performance, walk with you till graduation and issue your transcript after graduation”. He explained that until they enroll, they aren’t students and they should do so as soon as possible. Mr. Lwasa also clarified the documents required for registration including full admission letter, payment receipts, LLB transcript and certificate, birth certificate and valid ID.
Dr. Dan Ngabirano and Dr. Diana Ahumuza Ateenyi, both faculty at SoL also spoke to the LLM students. They reiterated the message of hard work, commitment, support of others and resilience. They also encouraged the students to understand the elective course-units available to them and the faculty specialisations which will inform their choice of dissertation supervisors.
In his address to the students, Assoc. Professor Julius Kikooma, Director-Graduate Training welcomed scholars to Makerere University, a place of knowledge, discovery and transformation. He said, “we are thrilled to have you join our vibrant and dynamic community of scholars at one of Africa’s leading research universities. Your decision to pursue graduate studies here reflects your courage to lead, your passion to learn, and your desire to contribute meaningfully to your field and to society at large”.
Assoc. Professor Kikoma reminded the students that graduate studies are more than a degree, it is a lifeblood of a nation’s vitality and driver of its socio-economic transformation. He added, “graduate research is a strategic national asset, not just about producing knowledge for knowledge’s sake but generating insights, innovations and solutions that: respond to pressing societal challenges and inform evidence-based policy”.
He encouraged the students that as they make choices for their dissertations to select topics that will contribute to Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the forthcoming National Development Plan IV.
A question-and-answer session followed where students sought clarifications on presentations from the various speakers.
Orientation for the law freshmen and women was held on the 7th-8th August 2025 with guest speakers including: Hon. Medard Lubega Sseggona (Senior Partner-Lukwago and Co. Advocates; Member of Parliament for Busiro County East, Dr. Patricia Acan Okiria (Deputy Inspector General of Government) and Hon. Lady Justice Sarah Langa-Siu (Judge of the High Court of Uganda) who was the Chief Guest.
The freshers were advised to excel in whatever they do and avoid mediocrity. Priority setting, time-keeping and making the right choices were highlighted as key issues to ensure success while at Law School. This is the 57th Bachelor of Laws (LLB) class since the Makerere University School of Law (SoL) began in 1968.
In his address to the new students, the Dean – Assoc. Professor Ronald Naluwairo welcomed them to Makerere University and School of Law. He said, “Be proud to be here among the select 280 students admitted for the Bachelor of Laws out of over 2600 applicants. You are at the best law school with faculty prepared to teach you and multiple resources available to you, utilise them”.
Assoc. Professor Naluwairo advised the students that study of the law is laborious; therefore to excel one must remain disciplined, focus on studies, attend classes and do assignments on time. He cautioned the Freshers to avoid vices like excessive use of social media, substance (alcohol & drugs) abuse, addiction to smartphones and sports betting. He said, “These are distractions which may lead to failure and eventually dismissal from the university”.
The Dean welcomed the guest speakers who are all alumni of SoL for making the time to attend the orientation to inspire, guide and advise the freshers on excelling through Law School.
In his speech to the law freshmen and women, Hon. Medard Lubega Sseggona said, “It is an incredible honour to be back where my journey began in 1997, testament to what this University can make you. Law School is not about cramming and academic excellence doesn’t come by accident. One must create a structure/study routine and stick to it; mentorship from senior colleagues and lecturers is important; and while colleagues, mentors and lecturers will support you, this is your journey and you must take responsibility and do the work to succeed”. He congratulated Makerere University on the new School of Law Building which he said will improve the ambience for the students.
On strategy on how to ace law school, he advised students to create case summaries, read ahead, read law books not pamphlets, be participatory in class and discuss with colleagues. “Treat law as a full-time job, employed as full-time students” he added. Highlighting the various opportunities for a law graduate, he explained that a good degree will open doors and several paths including private practice, corporate organisations, human rights and legal aid, government departments and agencies, research and academics, politics and policy, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution among others.
“Challenges exist as well like academic pressures to study, many have passed and so will you; laziness and poor time keeping. Stay focused, avoid distractions, build a reputation through honesty and continue professional development even when you complete your bachelor’s degree” Hon Sseggona further advised.
In conclusion, Hon. Sseggona implored the students to be curious, be kind through lifting others, share information and choose the right friends.
In his remarks to the law freshmen and women, Mr. Okuku Gordon Phillip – SoL Guild Council Chairperson and President – Makerere Law Society welcomed the students to the School. He said, “You have made it to SoL, a premier law school on the continent. This is an institution with a legacy that has produced judges and outstanding legal practitioners, people who have framed the legal and policy framework of the country and beyond”.
Okuku reminded the students that opportunities are many as long as they make the right choices. “Joining Makerere is an achievement but remember your work lies ahead”, he said. It is important that you remain accountable and have integrity in all that you do and respect the tireless work of the academic staff who are here to support you, he further advised.
“This place will model you; challenge yourself to participate in the various activities available to you and may this journey prepare you to change the world”, Okuku said.
“Lectures are a full-time requirement and should be attended fully. In the 7th week, you will be tested for coursework which is 40% of your total mark”, Dr. Zahara Nampewo – Deputy Dean, SoL pointed out to the students. She guided the students to read, use the resources available to them and cautioned them against using artificial intelligence because plagiarism tests are conducted on their work. She further reminded the students that academics has no shortcuts.
“Distinguish yourself, be mindful of your social media footprint and self-presentation. Also remember today is the first day of your new book, story about your future”, Dr. Nampewo urged.
Quoting C.S. Lewis, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria encouraged the students to carry a mind-set of integrity throughout their legal education and future careers. She advised the students to desist from arrogance but be confident, work hard remain determined and fear God.
In her talk to the students, Hon. Sarah Langa-Siu advised the students to be thankful of being where they are. “Always strive to excel, avoid mediocrity, have a priority list and remember the sacrifices of your parents and the pain they will suffer if you don’t complete your studies”, she guided.
Lady Justice Langa-Siu highlighted the following tips:
- Pursue a good degree ( don’t get pass degrees)
- Enjoy your youth but remain responsible and organised
- Cultivate a positive brand
- Seek mentorship but be teachable
- Visualise your future and work to get there
- Have a positive can-do attitude
“There is a campus buffet for you to survive university, you have access to a wide range of friends including good and bad. Keep your eyes, ears open to discern and judge wisely; don’t lose focus; do the right thing at the right time; choose the right role models; avoid opportunities for quick money, HIV, STIs and unwanted pregnancies”, Justice Langa-Siu tipped.
Quoting Psalm 90:2, the judge reminded the students to remain focused on their studies and align God in their life. “Also remember that while this degree is yours, it has many stakeholders”, she added.
The Heads of Department and Faculty talked to students about life at campus and setting the pace for hard work in order to survive Law School.
Dr. Ivan Engoru, SoL Timetable and Examination Coordinator moved a vote of thanks to the guest speakers on behalf of the School.
Orientation continued on the day 2 with presentations from School Registrar, Finance Office, Guidance and Counselling, Library, Directorate of ICT, Safe Guarding Unit among others. A networking session with student leaders as well as associations and clubs was also held.
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