Law
School of Law Orients Fresh Men & Women
The School of Law organized a freshers’ orientation meeting on Wednesday 2nd February, 2022 to create a sense of belonging among the new students at the School.
Established in 1968, initially as a Department of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the School was later in 1971 given independence as a Faculty and when Makerere University adopted the collegiate system, it became a semi-autonomous college. According to the Principal Prof. Christopher Mbazira, until recently, the School occupied special status as the only School of Law at a public university, “we now have Gulu as the second and the other schools are private” he said.
The School of Law was the only lawyer-training facility in Uganda since its founding in 1968 until 2000 when other universities established faculties of law. The school has five teaching departments, in addition to the units that engage in research like the Human Rights and Peace Centre (HURIPEC), doing research and advocacy, in the area of human rights; and the Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC). The Refugee Law Project addresses issues of refugees and immigration; Law, Gender and Sexuality research project addresses sexuality issues; the Disability Law and Rights Centre (DLRC) promotes and protects disability rights; as well as many other smaller research projects.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ronald Naluwairo, the Deputy Principal, School of Law, welcomed the fresh men and women to the school. “We are here to inspire you and give you guidance on the basics and key things to excel in your academic career”, he said.
Dr. Naluwairo introduced to students the rigorous nature of the the Bachelors of Law Programme, and encouraged them to have competence as a minimum requirement for the programme. The Deputy Principal also promised students a session where the School Registrar will introduce the rules and regulations governing the programme in detail. He called upon the fresh men and women to always consult the registrars in instances where the rules seemed unclear.
In his remarks, Prof. Mbazira congratulated the students upon passing the pre-entry exams and joining the group of special people with special alumni. “So many people are interested in doing this course, and so when one passes the pre-entry exam, it gives us the confidence that you will pass through the course” he said.
Prof. Mbazira introduced to students a magazine produced during the School of Law at 50 Years of existence celebrations in 2018, with information on the history of the school, some of the people that have gone through the school and the various things done.
“I want to state that you have started a process of transformation from students to lawyers and this is will enable you join the noble legal profession. Traditionally, we have three professions, that’s law, medicine and religion. By joining the noble legal profession, you are bound by professional ethics and the code of conduct that governs members of that profession” said Prof. Mbazira.
He also urged students to be honest, smart, hardworking as well as give back to the community as an obligation that comes with being a member of the noble profession. “The nature of the programme is rigorous, it requires commitment, focus and it is the application of approaches used to pass S.6 exams.”
Prof. Mbazira emphasised the need for students to read extensively as a requirement by the profession, “You can’t do a case unless you read, you can’t provide legal advise unless you read. Lawyers do a lot of constant reading, but one important thing is that once lawyers graduate, you can’t get another solid four years of reading so the four years is a golden chance for you to read.
“You may not realize that during the four years of reading the knowledge you acquire is going to help you at a certain stage. It may not help you to pass exams but helps to shape you as a lawyer, it helps to give you knowledge that you will later grow on; to represent clients, provide legal advice, to be a legislator and so forth” he added.
The Principal urged the new students to take advantage of the fact that, Makerere has the best faculty, prominent legal academics with experience both within and outside Uganda and the best law library in the country.
“The law profession is diverse, I know what most of you have is that a lawyer is some one who goes to court or seats as a judge, but you are going to discover that the legal profession is so rich that graduates of this school have done so many things including: legal practitioners, judges and magistrates, judicature, state attorneys in various capacities, lawyers of the state, prosecuting cases, giving legal advise and guiding approaches in the legislative processes, providing legal service to corporate entities, private companies, public companies, some working as company secretaries, public interest litigation among others. The legal profession is a profession that enables you to work anywhere, lawyers can work in a hospital because hospitals give legal advise, they have corporate matters that require lawyers to advice on” elaborated the Principal.
Prof. Mbazira concluded by warning students against becoming victims of self destructive behaviour. “Not everybody who attends this orientation attends the graduation ceremony due to both natural and man-made causes. Students tend to block their opportunities. I, the Deputy Principal and Heads of Department have an open door policy, and so does the Students leadership, don’t hesitate to contact us”.
Students were also availed the various IT student support portals including: answers.mak.ac.ug, student.mak.ac.ug, admissions.mak.ac.ug and support.mak.ac.ug among others for IT-related assistance.
A team of staff from the Counseling and Guidance Centre led by the Manager Mr. Henry Nsubuga oriented the students on the need for both psychological and mental health while in school. “We are here today but we don’t know what might befall us, tragedy can befall us at any time that’s why the university provides counseling and guidance services. Students should avoid postponing seeking help for whatever issues they may have.”
The Makerere Law Society (MLS) President, Mr. Mpindi Percy welcomed the new students. He noted that the society was formed in 1971 to represent students interests, and unveiled the first ever students’ orientation handbook by the Law Society. The Handbook documents various experiences of current students and alumni of the school. He concluded by encouraging students to always reach out to MLS for assistance.
In her remarks on Sexual harassment, Prof Sylvia Tamale defined the vice as unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or unwanted physical, verbal or nonverbal conduct. “Sexual harassment isn’t rape like most people think, no!”
She added that Makerere University has zero-tolerance for sexual harassment. “Sexual harassment is prohibited for both on and off-campus settings for Students, desk staff, administrative staff, support staff, contractors, visitors and researchers” she explained.
According to Prof. Tamale, beyond rules and policies, African people are guided by one important concept, ‘obuntu – buntubulamu’. She added that African people share a value which speaks to the maxim ‘I am because we are’ which means that you should treat the other the way you would like to be treated (with passion). “African people knew the value before the whites brought the bible.”
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Uganda Law Society (ULS) Mr. Moses Okwalinga shared that the legal profession is a lifetime commitment. “You remain an advocate/lawyer for life. What you have started is not just a career but a lifetime experience which you will pursue even after retirement.”
He urged students to be mindful of the friends they choose since they have an impact on their lives.He asked them to define their values and avoid bad company. “When you hang out with a group, their perception is your perception. This course gives you so much confidence but what you do with what you learn is very important. Remember that u came here alone. How you use what you learn is very key; the bad name will follow you all through” he said.
Prof. Ronald Mayambala, from the Department of Environmental Law urged students to honor the timetable, attend class, and avoid things that will put them in trouble either by bad company or wrong association. “Excessive politics may not be compatible with your studies, becoming religious fanatics is not good. Always balance.”
Law
Justice Egonda Urges Makerere Scholars to Lead Constitutional Review, develop National Scorecard for Public Office Performance
By Zaam Ssali and Jane Anyango
Kampala, Nov. 20, 2025 – Justice Egonda urged Makerere University scholars to spearhead a thorough review of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution and to design a national scoreboard to evaluate constitutional office holders. He said academia—particularly the School of Law—should draft a model constitution to guide national discussions on governance and judicial independence.
Court of Appeal Judge, His Lordship Martin Stephen Egonda made the call delivering a keynote address at a conference to commemorate the World Philosophy Day at Makerere University on 19-20 November 2025.
Justice Egonda warned that Uganda’s constitutional order is deteriorating requiring urgent reforms, urging academia to take lead. He called for two major initiatives: a comprehensive review of the 1995 Constitution and the creation of a national performance scoreboard to evaluate the performance of constitutional officeholders. Egonda argued that universities have the expertise to guide constitutional reform, design a model constitution, and generate independent performance data to strengthen accountability.
He also called for clear, measurable indicators to assess judges’ and public officials’ performance, noting that current Judiciary reports lack qualitative depth. He advised that Universities can provide independent data and constitution-based metrics. He stressed that such a scoreboard would create awareness about compliance with constitutional obligations, fight abuse of public trust and defend the Constitution by promoting obedience to constitutional mandates. “To sum it up, it would be an act of exacting accountability from holders of constitutional and public offices,” he said.
Justice Egonda cited serious constitutional failures—especially within the Judiciary—highlighting extreme delays in criminal appeals where some inmates completed long sentences before their appeals were heard. He highlighted the systemic dysfunction in case management, unreliable digital judicial systems, leadership vacuums in the Judiciary.
Justice Egonda highlighted a recent judicial review in Kabale, where the Deputy Chief Justice held an open session with stakeholders. A representative from Ndorwa Main Prison reported that 20 inmates had waited months for High Court judgments, with no mechanism to address the delay. Initial checks of the judiciary’s computerized management system showed no pending judgments. However, after updating records following the prison’s submission, officials confirmed the existence of stalled criminal cases and pending judgments, particularly due to transfers of trial judges.
Panelists responded with broader reflections. Dr. Miria Matembe warned that Uganda now has a “constitution without constitutionalism,” arguing that power has been captured and constitutional safeguards eroded, including Parliament’s independence. She urged citizens to reclaim constitutional power, confront corruption, and defend truth even at personal cost.
Professor Chris Mbazira praised Egonda’s condor but emphasized that constitutional reforms alone are inadequate without accompanying political transformation. He said Uganda’s hybrid regime—where informal power overrides formal institutions—must be dismantled for true constitutionalism to take root.
Former Constituent Assembly delegate Hon. Loice Bwambale urged Ugandans, especially youth, to take responsibility for preserving constitutional gains and addressing unresolved issues such as regional representation and land questions. She called for election of principled leaders, civic engagement, and careful review of entrenched constitutional provisions tied to public participation.
Overall, the plenary discussions underscored that restoring constitutionalism in Uganda requires institutional accountability, political reform, citizen activism, and renewed respect for constitutional principles. Specific issues raised during discussion included:
- Accountability necessary for elective positions and offices
- Introduction of term limits for all elective positions
- Ugandans have been conditioned to accept a mediocre leadership model
- The elites including researchers and academia advised to inspire the general population to get involved in constitutionalism
- Sensitization and civic education for members requiring more information. It was noted some
- members have given up hope for any change
- A National dialogue for all Ugandans. The recommendations be cascaded to the population
- and for appreciation by the population who think constitutionalism doesn’t concern them
- Reflect the disintegration of our neighbours like Sudan for lessons to Ugandans
- Commitment by the leaders to hand over power peacefully
- Each of us ask what role everyone can play
The 2025 World Philosophy Day conference at Makerere University concluded with strong calls for renewed constitutional reflection, ethical leadership, and civic responsibility as Uganda marks 30 years of the 1995 Constitution.
Delivering closing remarks, UNATCOM’ Dr. Pauline Achola, emphasized philosophy’s role in promoting peace, ethical reasoning, and sustainable development. She urged continued examination of the constitution’s gains and gaps and reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to
supporting commemoration of the World Philosophy Day dialogue in Uganda.
In his speech, Bernard Nkone of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung highlighted major achievements under the 1995 Constitution—human rights, separation of powers, gender equality, and civic participation—while warning that challenges such as corruption, political polarization, and limited access to justice persist. He stressed empowering youth to protect democratic values.
Prof. Robert Wamala – Director Research and Innovations, represented Prof. Sarah Ssali -Deputy Vice Chancellor/Academic Affairs Makerere University. Reading her speech, he underscored philosophy’s importance in fostering ethical leadership and active citizenship. He urged participants to translate conference discussions into policy influence and civic engagement.
The conference ended with recognition of student representatives from the Makerere University Philosophers’ Society, emphasizing youth contribution in national dialogue.
Zaam Ssali and Jane Anyango are Communication Officers for School of Law & CHUSS respectively.
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.
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