Law
HURIPEC Pledges to Continue Research and Documenting Human Rights Violations
The Human Rights and Peace Centre (HURIPEC) at Makerere University School of Law (SoL) has pledged to continue research on human rights and document its violations in Uganda. This pledge was given by Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Director – HURIPEC at a symposium jointly organised by HURIPEC and Human Rights Watch (HRW) held on the 30th June 2022 at Makerere University. The Symposium titled ‘Rule of Law and Barriers to Accountability for Unlawful Detentions: Challenges and Opportunities’ was attended by Diplomatic Corps, Civil Society representatives,Politicians, Government Officers, Academia, Researchers, Students and the general public.
The symposium was moderated by Professor Joe Oloka-Onyango, Faculty at the SoL. In his introductory remarks he quoted a report, ‘Uganda: The failure to safeguard human rights’ published by Amnesty International in 1992. The report examined the human rights record of the NRM government which had come to power in 1986 after gross human rights by previous governments. The report had concluded that ‘Despite some improvements regarding human rights, arbitrary arrest, illegal detention, torture (including rape) and summary executions by government forces continue to be reported and that the perpetrators are rarely brought to justice. Government critics, e.g. political leaders and newspaper editors, have been charged with offences such as sedition or treason, apparently for political reasons’. Professor Oloka-Onyango noted that 30 years later we are still discussing the question of unlawful detentions and human rights violations. He thanked HURIPEC and HRW for organising the event to allow participants to exchange views.
Professor Christopher Mbazira, Principal – SoL welcomed participants to the SoL and symposium. He thanked HURIPEC and HRW for organising the event noting that such partnerships proudly make SoL outstanding in the country, region and Africa continent.
Professor Mbazira added that ‘Uganda is currently defined as a country with repressed civic space where the population don’t share ideas freely’, He added, ‘Universities serve as civic spaces where people are able to share ideas. Makerere has many departments and colleges but its only SoL that provides civic space to promote human rights at the moment which I think is a mandate for academic institutions. I therefore urge and encourage other units to pick the baton’.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs, Professor Umar Kakumba represented Makerere University Management at the symposium. In his remarks, he warmly welcomed participants to Makerere University conveying greetings from management, particularly this centennial year when the institution is celebrating 100 years of existence. He reiterated the role of Makerere in transforming societies through its human capital and research output, adding that it is aligned to the reason we are convened here today to listen to work accomplished by HURIPEC, SoL and partners.
Professor Kakumba noted that Makerere’s history has been punctuated with upheavals linked to politics in Uganda. ‘The topic before us could not have been more timely now and even in the past. For many years after independence, Uganda saw a record of unlawful detentions and torture, many of which unfortunately ended in disappearances and death. Makerere was not spared losing our first Vice Chancellor, Frank Kalimuzo who reportedly was detained and killed on the orders of then President, Idi Amin Dada’. This marked the first attack on intellectualism and independent thinking in Uganda.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor highlighted that universities have a two-pronged role to play in human rights protection; first, human rights education which translates to public debate and opinions because of the autonomy as well as academic freedom of universities. Secondly, research output necessary for educating the next generation of policy and service providers, alongside objective evidence and reviews of current governmental policy. Professor Kakumba commended the School of Law in particular the Human Rights and Peace Centre for continuing to support the teaching of human rights law at Makerere. He further added that ‘as Makerere University, our strategic focus is to be a research-led institution, to provide relevant empirical data to the government and other key actors to guide the country’s policy and development agenda’.
Professor Kakumba explained that he hopes that the discussions here will trigger debate to shape policy on freedom from unlawful detentions.He wished the participants fruitful deliberations and thanked the School of Law, the HURIPEC team for always spearheading research on key legal, human rights and governance issues that always puts Makerere ahead of competitors. He assured the School of the support from University Management.
A keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Busingye Kabumba, Lecturer – SoL. His speech delved into the jurisprudence of liberty. Dr. Kabumba traced a history of documenting liberty quoting the US Declaration of Independence and French Constitution when the Monarchy was deposed. Coming closer to home, he explained that Article 23 of 2005 Uganda Constitution is about protection of personal liberty and a bill of rights is defined; however, while these are written the reality is different.
Dr. Kabumba Busingye added that its demoralizing that when colonialism ended and power handed over to African leaders, the leaders have been harsh. ‘Despite independence and declarations of liberty, the reality is hollow. Nationals are born in captivity and die in captivity in “open air prisons”’ he added. He highlighted laws that support unlawful detentions still in existence on the Uganda books of law like the Law of Idle and disorderly. In such instances, the arresting officer is the determinant of the wrong committed by the offender. Dr. Kabumba Busingye noted that because of unlawful detentions, prisons are full and more are required. He added that there are recent changes happening in the judicial system which will further affect civil liberties in Uganda for example high bail rates, appointment of acting judges among others.
‘Once you are in illegal detention, you are in no-man’s land, where anything can happen. We should be conscious of various forms of unlawful detentions’
‘There is a range of offenses targeting poor persons or political opponents; these are used to clean streets of undesirables. The person arresting you determines the offense’
Dr. Busingye Kabumba
Hon. Winfred Kiiza, former Leader of Opposition in Parliament; Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Director – HURIPEC and Mr. Kenneth Roth, Executive Director – Human Rights Watch constituted a Panel to discuss accountability for unlawful detentions by government institutions. Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had been invited and accepted to join the Panel but he was unable to attend the symposium.
Hon. Kiiza thanked SoL and HURIPEC for inviting her to attend and speak at the symposium, an opportunity for knowledge sharing. She re-echoed the first stanza of the Uganda National Anthem where one of the lyrics is ‘United, free for liberty together we’ll always stand’. She wondered whether Ugandans are actually free.
‘If liberty and freedoms were protected would we be here to discuss unlawful detentions’
‘Bad laws will eventually catch-up with everyone, all people of conscience must rise up to defend the law and human rights. Even those perpetrating unlawful detentions are captives of they serve’
Hon. Winfred Kiiza
Hon. Kiiza stated, ‘everyone is expected to follow the law where the expectation is thatthe law is fair, but is it’. She thanked SoL and HURIPEC for organising the discussions because it has become so difficult to share knowledge. She called for accountability of leaders at all levels adding that we are in a situation of ‘rule by law not rule of law’.
Many issues are interconnected with unlawful detentions but ‘Ugandans have a tendency of normalizing situations, consider the rising prices of fuel (diesel is more expensive than petrol which was unseen before)’, Dr. Zahara Nampewo highlighted. She added that previously, there was a presidential acknowledgment of unlawful detentions where he said, ‘security agencies were arresting perpetrators of terrorism and insecurity, talk of unlawful detentions should be ignored because that can’t happen under the government of National Resistance Movement (NRM)’. Dr. Nampewo also shared summary of the report, ‘Human Rights Violations in Uganda: The Abuse of Civil and Political Rights in the Era of Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo’. The report was produced by HURIPEC to audit observance of human rights in the era of ‘Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo’, President Museveni’s term 2016-2021. The research findings concluded that violations of political and civil rights continued to occur in the term. Some of the violations highlighted included: excessive use of force by security agencies leading to injuries and deaths, detention beyond 48 hours, disappearances to unknown detention places, extra-judicial killings, torture and degrading treatment.
‘Strongman syndrome exists in Uganda where officers posture themselves to be above the law. The strongman syndrome has enabled powerful individuals to issue orders even in contravention of the law. These strongmen are able to use the system for their personal interests.’
Dr. Zahara Nampewo
Mr. Kenneth Roth shared what transpired in a meeting that HRW had held with His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to share their report on the status of Unlawful Detention and Abuse in Unauthorized Places of Detention in Uganda titled, ‘I Only Need Justice’. Issues discussed included Human Rights Protection Act; holding government accountable;proposed human rights defenders law; persecution of civil society in Uganda through the changes instituted in the NGO law;attacks on press members; Facebook shut down among others. The President promised to review the issues raised.
‘The issue of unlawful detentions takes both a criminal and political dimension especially with Internal Security Organisation (ISO). People were picked up and disappeared. There were also reports of people beaten, raped and tortured with them being extorted for release’.
– Mr. Kenneth Roth
A number of issues were raised during discussions:
- The four ‘I’s affecting human rights in Uganda were given as: Impunity by security and government personnel;Institutions and their collapse; Information and documentation of human rights violations as evidence for future reference and Implementation of laws and guidelines.
- The role of the international community in holding the government accountable for violations.
- Resilience and response mechanisms by the population.
- The appointment of NRM cadres as judicial officers and in human rights institutions which affects objectivity and impartiality required in justice.
- Partnerships are required in fighting human rights violations, no one or institution can solve the problem alone. Consider development of a strategic plan to bring all parties on table to work together.
- Ugandans are suffering from collective Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the abuse and violations suffered. The end might be very bad for the country.
- Vicious cycle of abuse of state power from colonial time to subsequent governments in Uganda since independence.
- Torture, fear and intimidation affecting population, media and others players in the country.
- HURIPEC has to organize other meetings like the symposium to continue sharing knowledge on human rights violations and unlawful detentions.
- The civic space in Uganda continues to narrow and hopefully academic institutions can help close the gap.
The organisers of the symposium, HURIPEC and HRW promised to share a detailed report of the meeting.
The symposium was closed by Professor Christopher Mbazira, Principal SoL. He thanked HURIPEC and HRW for organising the Symposium. He also thanked the audience assuring participants that SoL will continue to be a safe civic space.
‘The culture of impunity has become more entrenched; Courts are mobbed not to grant bail or make certain decisions, people holding public offices are mobbed to grant favours, inconsistent with procedures of the law’
Professor Christopher Mbazira
First-year Bachelors of Laws (LLB) students at the Makerere University School of Law (SoL) have been challenged to embrace discipline, integrity, critical thinking and a commitment to justice as they begin their legal education journey.
The call was made during the School’s Freshers’ Orientation opening ceremony, on 6th August 2026 where School leaders, faculty members and student leaders welcomed the new students and outlined the expectations, opportunities and responsibilities that come with studying law.
Professor Ronald Naluwairo, Dean-School of Law congratulated the students upon joining the institution, describing admission to law school as the beginning of a demanding but rewarding journey. He encouraged the freshers to approach their studies with commitment, resilience and hard work, emphasizing the importance of wide reading, active participation in lectures, academic discussions and practical learning opportunities such as moot court competitions, legal aid programmes and community engagements.
He reminded the students that law extends beyond statutes and court decisions, noting that it is fundamentally about people, justice, protection of rights, dispute resolution and service to society.
“Your role as future lawyers is to become custodians of justice and defenders of the rule of law,” he told the students, urging them to embrace diversity, build respectful relationships with their classmates and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.
The Dean stressed that integrity remains one of the most valuable qualities a lawyer can possess, warning that academic dishonesty, misconduct and unethical behaviour could have serious consequences for their future careers. He assured the students that the university and the SoL would provide guidance, mentorship and support throughout their academic journey, while reminding them that their success would ultimately depend on their dedication and effort.
He introduced members of staff and support teams available to assist students before welcoming the Chief Guest, Honourable Justice Martin Steven Egonda-Ntende, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal of Uganda to address the new students.
Justice Egonda-Ntende Calls on Students to Pursue Purpose and Excellence
Justice Egonda-Ntende encouraged the incoming students to approach their university journey with determination, purpose and a commitment to excellence.
Reflecting on his own experience as a first-year student at the same institution 51 years ago, the retired Justice acknowledged that Freshers often begin university life with similar hopes, fears and ambitions. He urged the students to make the most of the opportunity before them.
Congratulating the new students on their admission, he noted that they had been selected from thousands of applicants, demonstrating their academic potential and ability to succeed.
Drawing inspiration from the words of Martin Luther King Jr., Justice Egonda-Ntende challenged the students to discover their purpose and pursue it with dedication, regardless of the profession or role they eventually assume.
He emphasized that excellence is not determined by status or position but by the commitment to perform every responsibility with passion, integrity and dedication.
“Strive to be the best of whatever you are,” he advised the students, adding that a meaningful life is built by giving one’s best in every endeavour.
Students Encouraged to Take Ownership of Their Legal Education
Deputy Dean of SoL, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, congratulated the new students on securing admission, describing it as a significant achievement given the competitive selection process.
She encouraged them to appreciate that legal education requires more than acquiring knowledge; it demands discipline, critical thinking and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Dr. Nampewo informed students that academic activities would begin immediately, with coursework examinations scheduled seven weeks into the semester and contributing 40 percent of their final grades. She urged them to begin preparing from the first day rather than waiting until examinations approach.
She also encouraged participation in extracurricular activities, noting that the SoL aims to produce independent thinkers and well-rounded graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
Assuring students of continued support throughout their four-year programme, she said the Office of the Deputy Dean is available to address academic concerns and guide them through their studies.
Makerere Law Society Welcomes New Members
Rogers Sembajjwe, LLB IV student and President of the Makerere Law Society (MLS) welcomed the incoming students and congratulated them on joining one of Uganda’s leading law schools.
He encouraged the freshers to approach their studies with determination, discipline and a willingness to work hard, noting that the legal education journey would be challenging but rewarding.
Sharing his own experience, he reminded students that every lecturer, administrator and leader they would interact with had once been in their position. He encouraged them to seek guidance whenever they encountered challenges.
The MLS President emphasized the importance of attending lectures consistently, meeting academic deadlines and taking responsibility for their coursework. He warned that failure to submit assignments on time could have serious academic consequences.
He further encouraged students to participate in student activities, including programmes organised by the MLS, highlighting opportunities such as the MLS Sports Gala as platforms for networking, building friendships and maintaining a balanced university experience.
Faculty Members Highlight Academic Excellence and Professional Responsibility
Head of the Department of Commercial Law, Dr. Engoru Ivan, urged students to remain focused on their studies with the goal of achieving academic excellence.
He informed students that they would encounter a wide range of commercial law courses throughout their four years and encouraged them to participate actively in lectures, ask questions and take advantage of every learning opportunity.
Dr. Engoru announced that the semester timetable was ready and advised students to familiarize themselves with academic schedules. He also issued a strong warning against examination malpractice, emphasizing that dishonest practices would attract disciplinary action under university regulations.
He encouraged students to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being, make wise personal choices and avoid distractions that could affect their academic progress.
Meanwhile, Head of the Human Rights and Peace Centre, Dr. Busingye Kabumba, reminded students that studying law carries a responsibility to uphold justice, constitutionalism and human rights.
He noted that fewer than 10 percent of more than 2,000 applicants had been admitted, making their opportunity a privilege that comes with responsibility. He urged students to remain grounded in their values, develop strong consciences and use legal knowledge to challenge injustice and abuses of power.
Dr. Kabumba encouraged them to study foundational constitutional documents and landmark cases ahead of their first classes, emphasizing that preparation and active participation would be essential to their legal training.
Head of the Department of Law and Jurisprudence, Dr. Daniel Ruhweza, welcomed the students to the School and encouraged them to view the next four years as a transformative journey.
He introduced key courses including Introduction to Law, Legal Methods, Land Law, Family Law, Conflict of Laws, Criminology and Penology, and the Law of Evidence. He highlighted the expertise of the School’s faculty and encouraged students to aim for available academic and professional opportunities.
Dr. Ruhweza also urged students to participate in moot court competitions, student organisations and other co-curricular activities, emphasizing that practical skills, leadership and personal growth are important alongside academic achievement.
Dr. Hilda Thopacu encouraged students to approach their studies with purpose and preparation. She advised them to read assigned cases and materials before class, take notes, think critically and relate legal principles to everyday experiences.
She challenged students to reflect on two important questions throughout their studies: “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” emphasizing that understanding personal identity and purpose helps students make better academic and professional choices.
Students Advised to Build Strong Habits from Day One
Ms. Ruth Muhawe encouraged the Freshers to pursue academic excellence through consistency, sacrifice and discipline.
Drawing from her own experience as a law student, she reminded students that success is achieved through daily effort, long hours of preparation and a willingness to make difficult choices.
She encouraged students to participate in activities such as moot courts and legal writing through Makerere Law Journal while maintaining strong academic performance. Addressing the increasing use of artificial intelligence, she urged students to use technology responsibly and ethically rather than relying on it to complete academic work.
Mr. Ernest Wiltshire Kalibbala advised students to embrace university independence responsibly, reminding them that freedom comes with accountability. He encouraged them to manage their time effectively, avoid harmful habits, build positive friendships and remain focused on their purpose as future professionals.
Mr. Kalibbala also urged students facing academic or personal challenges to seek support, emphasizing the importance of attending lectures, learning directly from lecturers and making the most of the opportunities available at university.
During an interactive session, faculty members responded to students’ questions on academic expectations, case reading, classroom participation, human rights discussions, volunteering opportunities and responsible use of artificial intelligence in legal studies. Students were encouraged to engage critically, uphold academic integrity and take advantage of opportunities available within the School.
The orientation opening ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from the School of Law to support the incoming students as they begin their journey toward becoming future legal professionals.
The orientation programme for undergraduate and graduate students will conclude on August 7, 2026, with a series of presentations planned from key university departments, including the Academic Registrar’s Office, Information Technology (IT), Counselling and Guidance, Gender Mainstreaming, the Bursar’s Office, the Library, and Student Leadership. The sessions are expected to equip students with essential information and support services to facilitate a smooth transition into university life and academic success.
Law
Call for Applications – Makerere University School of Law-Leiden University Exchange Scholarship
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has commended the leadership and faculty of Makerere University School of Law for their outstanding contribution to graduate training, research, and academic excellence, describing the School as one of the key drivers of Makerere University’s growing international reputation.
The commendation was made during the Vice Chancellor’s ongoing engagements with Colleges, Stand-alone Schools, and Institutes, aimed at strengthening the management and administration of graduate training and research across the University. The visits form part of a broader initiative to assess progress in graduate education, identify emerging opportunities, and address challenges affecting research and postgraduate studies.
Prof. Nawangwe applauded the School of Law for achieving the University’s Strategic Plan target of 40% graduate student enrolment, describing the milestone as a testament to the School’s commitment to producing highly skilled professionals and researchers.
He emphasized that graduate education, particularly doctoral training, is fundamental to national development. Drawing lessons from countries such as the United States and China, the Vice Chancellor observed that a nation’s number of PhD holders per capita is closely linked to its capacity for innovation, research, and socio-economic transformation.
“The countries that lead in research, innovation and industrial development have invested heavily in doctoral education. The number of PhDs per capita is a strong indicator of a country’s ability to generate knowledge and solve societal challenges,” he noted, urging the School to continue expanding graduate enrolment while maintaining high academic standards.
Prof. Nawangwe further praised the School’s vibrant Staff Colloquia Series, describing it as an important platform for promoting scholarly engagement, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration among academic staff and graduate students.
He also commended the School’s growing research focus on Environmental Law, particularly water governance and sustainability, noting that these priorities align well with Makerere University’s strategic commitment to addressing pressing environmental and climate-related challenges through research and innovation.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the proposed collaborative Master’s Programme in Environmental Diplomacy between Makerere University and University of Padua as an example of the University’s efforts to develop specialized graduate programmes that respond to emerging global priorities while strengthening international academic partnerships.
To further support the School’s ambitions, Prof. Nawangwe reaffirmed the University’s commitment to facilitating the establishment of new Centres of Excellence, revitalizing the Environmental Law Centre (ELC), and implementing measures to strengthen staff recruitment and promotion.
He observed that investing in strong academic staff and research infrastructure remains central to Makerere University’s vision of becoming a research-led institution that contributes solutions to national, regional, and global development challenges.
The Vice Chancellor encouraged the School’s leadership and faculty to sustain the momentum in graduate training, research productivity, and international collaboration, noting that their achievements continue to enhance Makerere University’s standing as a leading centre of academic excellence in Africa.
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