The High Level Delegation from East African Court of Justice (EACJ) poses for a group photo with the DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (6th L), Ag. Principal-Assoc. Prof. Ronald Naluwairo (4th L), Staff and Students at the School of Law on 30th November 2022.
On 30th November 2022, a delegation of Honourable Justices of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) visited Makerere University School of Law to engage academia and students in promoting Justice in the East African Community Integration Agenda.
The joyous School of Law Leaders welcoming the EACJ High Level Delegation.
The visiting delegation was led by Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera β Judge President of the EACJ together withHon. Justice Kathurima M’Inoti – Judge EACJ Appellate Division, Hon. Justice Cheborion Barishaki – Judge EACJ Appellate Division; Hon. Justice Yohane Masara – Principal JudgeEACJ, Hon. Justice Dr. Charles Nyawello -Deputy Principal JudgeEACJ, Hon Justice Richard Wabwire Wejuli – Judge EACJ First Instance Division and Her Worship Christine Mutimura Wekesa – Deputy Registrar EACJ.
The Principal School of Law, Assoc.Prof. Ronald Naluwairo (Second Right) leading the EACJ delegation to the Venue, Right is the Judge President, EACJ Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera.
The EACJ delegation was accompanied by members from the Judiciary of Uganda i.e., Hon. Lady Justice Anne Mugenyi – Deputy Head of Commercial Division High Court Uganda, Her Worship Juliet Hatanga – Deputy Registrar Commercial Division High Court Uganda, and Her Worship Juliet Nakitende – Assistant Registrar Commercial Division High Court Uganda.
On arrival, the EACJ delegation were received by the Leadership of the School of Law led by Assoc. Professor Ronald Naluwairo β Principal, Dr. Zahara Nampewo β Deputy Principal, Heads of Department and staff. They were led on a tour of an exhibition of material produced by research centres at the School of Law.
The delegation proceeded to the School Auditorium to engage students.
Welcoming the delegation to the School of Law, the Principal, Assoc. Professor Ronald Naluwairo said, βwe are privileged to host the EACJ as you celebrate 21 years of existence and in a year that Makerere is celebrating 100 years. We are grateful that you chose to spend this special day with usβ. Assoc. Professor Naluwairo added that the School of Law recognizes the contribution of the EACJ to the fundamental principles of the East African Community especially good governance issues: adherence to principles of democracy, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency and gender equality.
Assoc. Prof. Ronald Naluwairo, Ag. Principal, School of Law giving his remarks.
In her remarks, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Deputy Principal School of Law noted that the visit by a high level delegation from EACJ was a great opportunity for the students. βThe students are able to see the Justices in real life, having read about their judgementsβ, she added.
Introducing the delegation, Deputy Registrar of EACJ, Her Worship Christine Mutimura Wekesa introduced the delegation to the students. Her Worship Christine Mutimura Wekesa who is an alumnus of the School fondly reminisced about her days as a student noting that some of the current faculty were her classmates. She urged the students to work hard as soon as they start law school; βyears run so fast while you are here, donβt wait for the final year to startβ, Her Worship advised.
Her Worship Christine Mutimura Wekesa introducing the EACJ High Level Delegation to the students.
Addressing the students, Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera, Judge President β EACJ said, βtoday is the 21st Anniversary of the East African Community Treaty and the court. We are beyond honored to celebrate our anniversary at Makerere University as you celebrate 100 yearsβ. He thanked the School for receiving the delegation, βI am happy because I am in my house, we feel at home and a great day for us to be hereβ.
The Judge President, EACJ, Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera giving his remarks.
Judge President, Hon. Justice Kayobera encouraged the students to visit the EACJ and witness the work done. βThe court belongs to you, you should come and see what is happeningβ he said. He added that lawyers have a big role to play in as far as access to justice is concerned, βthe Community needs legal people to resolve their legal issuesβ.
In his remarks, Mr. Percy Mpindi β President of Makerere Law Society requested the EACJ delegation to consider introduction of a Moot under their sponsorship dedicated to the service at EACJ and East African Community Integration Agenda. βThis will help bridge the gap between student lawyers and the courtβ, Percy said.
Mr. Percy Mpindi β President, Makerere Law Society giving his remarks.
Hon. Justice Kayobera welcomed Percyβ proposal and advised that Moot Competition is very important, however it would be better to have Moots organised based on judgement writing. Writing competitions could also organised for Law students and East African communities, Hon. Justice Kayobera added.
The EACJ Judge President handed over gifts to the School of Law which included: EACJ Law Reports, copies of the East African Community Treaty; and copies of the Rules of Procedure of the EACJ.
Assoc.Prof. Naluwairo showcasing some of the Book donations by the Judge President, EACJ to the School.
Professor Henry Alinaitwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor β Finance and Administration, Makerere University thanked the delegation for visiting Makerere University and the gifts given to the School of Law. Professor Alinaitwe noted that these visits inspire the students. βAs a University, we are committed to having a strong School of Law ensuring that we admit the best through pre-entry exams, a new building for the School is under construction which will have state-of-the-art facilities and human resource capacity building for faculty is on-goingβ, the Deputy Vice Chancellor highlighted.
Professor Henry Alinaitwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor β Finance and Administration, Makerere University giving his remarks.
A vote of thanks was moved by Dr. Busingye Kabumba, Senior Lecturer and Ag. Director β Human Rights and Peace Centre, School of Law. Dr. Kabumba reiterated the message from Makerere Law Society of the willingness to work with the EACJ on various activities that would enhance promotion of Justice in the EA Community Integration Agenda. He added that the academia commit to continue engaging the EACJ on court jurisprudence.
Dr. Busingye Kabumba, Senior Lecturer and Ag. Director β Human Rights and Peace Centre, School of Law, conveying his thanks message to the EACJ High Level Delegation.
Earlier in the day, the delegation met Professor Barnabas Nawangwe β Vice Chancellor Makerere University. They also held an informative engagement with the University Management; toured an exhibition of research outputs and innovations under the Makerere UniversityResearch and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF); and toured Makerere University Library with particular interest in the Law Section.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (7th Right) flanked by Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera (on his Left) β Judge President of East African Court of Justice (EACJ), Hon. Lady Justice Sauda Mjasiri (on his Right) -Vice President EACJ together with some members of Uganda Judiciary and university management pose for a group photo after a meeting with university management at Frank Kalimuzo Building on 30th Nov 2022.The EACJ High Level Delegation visiting the Makerere University Main Library Law Section.
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:
Aβ Level leavers: Must hold an βOβ Level Certificate (UCE) or its equivalent with at least 5 Passes plus βAβ Level Certificate (UACE) or its equivalent having obtained a minimum of 13 points (Males) and 12 points (for Females) in any βAβ Level combination for both Humanities and Sciences. Candidates who did βAβ Level before 2013 should have 15 and 14 points for male and female applicants respectively.
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.
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.
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. βAβ 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 (Aβ 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:
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).Β
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.
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, βinitially no, because everyone said the LLB was hard. However, he worked hard and got the resultsβ. I am grateful to the support from my father and mother, lecturers and collegiality of fellow classmates, he added.
His message to other students, βEach 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 soβ.
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.
Her message to other students, βSuccess 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. Donβt fear the challenges; embrace them. Donβt 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!β
Congratulations to all the SoL high performers, a further 13 LLB graduands also attained Second Class Upper.Β Β Β
The 75th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University commenced on Monday 13th January 2025.Β The School of Law (SoL), College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, and College of Education and External Studies presented graduands for conferment of degrees.
Performers lead the Academic Procession to the Mak75thGrad Ceremony.
SoL presented a total of 285 graduands including (3) Doctor of Laws (LLD), (48) Master of Laws (LLM) and (234) Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
Group Photo of SoL Graduands and Faculty.
The Doctor of Laws were awarded to Woliya Gwokyalya (Ms.), James Nkuubi (Mr.) and Oscar Kamusiime Mwebesa (Mr.). Master of Laws were awarded to 21 female and 27 male while 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 was the best performing female student with a CGPA of 4.26. 14 LLB graduands attained Second Class Upper.
Mr. Alado Lawrence, best performing LLB student who attained a 1st Class degree.Ms. Nakalema Stella Maris, best performing female LLB student.
Speaking to the congregation, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe β Vice Chancellor, Makerere University welcomed everyone to Makerere Universityβs 75th Graduation. He congratulated the 13,658 graduates, including 143 PhD recipients, 53% female graduates and 47% male graduands who will be awarded degrees through the graduation week. He commended the efforts of staff, parents, and sponsors in supporting the studentsβ journeys. Professor Nawangwe praised the milestones of Makerereβs Colleges and Schools, including the new building for the School of Law officially opened on 18th December, 2024 by Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni β First Lady and Minister for Education & Sports. The modern facilities in the building will enhance the working and learning environment for staff and students respectively.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe speaking during the Graduation.
Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerereβs transformation to a research-led institution supported by the government funded Makerere UniversityResearch and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). βWe are addressing national priorities, such as improving the Parish Development Model and advancing e-governance,β he stated. The Vice Chancellor also congratulated Dr. Crispus Kiyonga on his appointment as Chancellor and urged graduates to leverage their education to create solutions for societal challenges.
Professor Nawangwe advised the graduands thus, βWe have equipped you with the knowledge and skills that will make you employable or to create your own businesses and employ others. Do not despair if you cannot find employment, instead reflect on the immense opportunities around you and raise them as an entrepreneur.β
Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA) delivered the commencement speech where she called on the graduands to remain resilient and emancipate Africaβs people. Her address titled βThe Power of Resilience β African Woman, Find Your Generational Mission and Redefine Your Worthβ, Professor LenkaBula highlighted the critical role of African women in shaping the continentβs destiny.
Prof. Puleng LenkaBula, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa delivering her commencement lecture.
Professor LenkaBula expressed gratitude for being invited to such a significant occasion and extended greetings from South Africa, including from UNISAβs Chancellor, former South African President Dr. Thabo Mbeki. She praised Makerere University for its legacy of academic excellence and contributions to the African continent, emphasizing its role in anti-colonial struggles, post-colonial development, and its steadfast commitment to African unity. She called for a renewed focus on gender equity in academia and leadership, noting the disproportionate burdens faced by women in society. Citing the achievements of Makerere University in gender mainstreaming, she expressed optimism about the role of young leaders in dismantling patriarchal systems and fostering inclusive development.
Professor LenkaBula concluded her address to graduands with a call to action: βYour graduation is not merely a personal achievement but a contribution to Africaβs collective progress. History has thrust upon you the task of creating a future defined by resilience, innovation, and equality.β
In his remarks, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga β Chancellor, Makerere University congratulated graduands upon making it to the 75th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. Dr. Suruma expressed his appreciation of His Excellency the President and First Lady/Minister of Education and Sports for giving him the opportunity to serve Uganda and for the continuous support extended to Makerere University, requesting the congregation to join him and give them a warm applause. Β Dr. Kiyonga reiterated President Museveniβs directive to Makerere University to integrate the teaching of political economy across all courses to enhance studentsβ understanding of the countryβs socioeconomic conditions. The directive, welcomed by the universityβs top management, will be incorporated into the curriculum to align education with the needs of the people and the nation.
Dr. Crispus Kiyonga addressing the congregation.
He expressed appreciation that the government has pledged to bolster Makerereβs research funding and he encouraged the University to strengthen partnerships with the private sector to commercialize innovations developed at the institution.
The new Chancellor pledged support to the University management in saving its land and urged that an agro-industrial park be established. βThis park would serve three purposes: teaching, generating income, and acting as a demonstration site for communities across the country,β Dr. Kiyonga noted. He also emphasized the urgency of addressing Ugandaβs food insecurity, highlighting that 40% of children in the Rwenzori region are stunted, with malnutrition affecting most regions of the country.
Dr. Kiyonga also pointed out Africaβs underperformance despite its vast resources, describing it as a contradiction. βIt is our responsibility to change the conditions of our people and ensure Africa rises to its potential,β he urged.
The ceremony was graced by Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni. Other dignitaries included members of Parliament, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, and academics.
The Minister lauded Makerere University for its dedication to academic excellence and innovation. βToday reflects the resilience, hard work, and commitment of our graduates, supported by the university staff, management, and parents,β she said. The Minister commended the Vice Chancellor and management for fostering research and innovation while urging them to maintain robust quality control systems to uphold the institutionβs integrity.
The Minister of State for Primary Education Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu represented the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni.
She also reflected on Makerereβs recent milestones, including the commissioning of a new School of Law building and the launch of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. βYour achievements stem from hard work, transparency, and accountability. They set Makerere apart as a leader in higher education,β she noted. Addressing the graduates, Hon. Kaducu encouraged them to apply their skills to solve societal challenges. βMakerere has equipped you with critical thinking and creativity. Use this to seize opportunities, make a difference, and shine wherever you go,β she concluded.
During the 75th graduation ceremony held from the 13th -17th January, 2025, a total of 13,658 graduands will be awarded degrees and diplomas in various disciplines. Of these, 143 will receive PhDs, 1,813 Masters Degrees, 243 postgraduate Diplomas, and 11,454 Bachelorβs Degrees. 53% of the graduands are female and 47% are male. 44% of the PhD graduands are female. A total of 491 graduands will receive first class degrees.