Law
High Level Delegation from East African Court of Justice visit Mak School of Law
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 visiting delegation was led by Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera – 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 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 – Principal, Dr. Zahara Nampewo – 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.
Welcoming the delegation to the School of Law, the Principal, Assoc. Professor Ronald Naluwairo said, ‘we 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 us’. 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.
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. ‘The students are able to see the Justices in real life, having read about their judgements’, 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; ‘years run so fast while you are here, don’t wait for the final year to start’, Her Worship advised.
Addressing the students, Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera, Judge President – EACJ said, ‘today 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 years’. He thanked the School for receiving the delegation, ‘I am happy because I am in my house, we feel at home and a great day for us to be here’.
Judge President, Hon. Justice Kayobera encouraged the students to visit the EACJ and witness the work done. ‘The court belongs to you, you should come and see what is happening’ he said. He added that lawyers have a big role to play in as far as access to justice is concerned, ‘the Community needs legal people to resolve their legal issues’.
In his remarks, Mr. Percy Mpindi – 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. ‘This will help bridge the gap between student lawyers and the court’, Percy said.
Hon. Justice Kayobera welcomed Percy’ 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.
Professor Henry Alinaitwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor – 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. ‘As 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-going’, the Deputy Vice Chancellor highlighted.
A vote of thanks was moved by Dr. Busingye Kabumba, Senior Lecturer and Ag. Director – 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.
Earlier in the day, the delegation met Professor Barnabas Nawangwe – 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 University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF); and toured Makerere University Library with particular interest in the Law Section.
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.
Law
Enhancing Legal Education: Capacity Building Workshop for Competence-Based and Clinical Teaching at Makerere Law School
Uganda’s higher education system is undergoing a transformative shift through the adoption of a competency-based curriculum (CBC) starting in 2026-2027, aimed at producing graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills suited to the modern labor market. This shift emphasizes balancing doctrinal learning with experiential and clinical legal education, necessitating increased capacity among faculty members, many of whom currently lack formal training in curriculum development, assessment methods, and clinical supervision. Aligning with national development goals focused on human capital and ethical workforce development, the reform seeks to produce well-rounded, adaptable legal professionals equipped to address Uganda’s socio-economic challenges.
In response, Makerere University’s School of Law organized a capacity-building workshop on June 19th, 2026, at Kalanoga Resort Beach, to strengthen lecturers’ skills in delivering practical legal education. The workshop was attended by a diverse group of professionals, including representatives from Makerere University, National Curriculum Development Centre, and the Islamic University in Uganda.
This initiative underscores Makerere Law School’s dedication to producing practice-ready legal professionals through continuous faculty development and experiential learning. The workshop focused on equipping faculty with innovative teaching strategies, assessment techniques, and clinical supervision skills essential for effective curriculum implementation. Beyond faculty development, Makerere Law School has advanced its commitment to experiential learning through its Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC).
Remarks by Participants
In his opening remarks, Prof. Ronald Naluwairo, the Principal School of Law, Makerere University highlighted a diverse set of practical experiences offered by the PILAC—including internships, externships, moot court competitions, legal aid outreach, simulation exercises, public interest litigation, and community legal literacy programs, that foster students’ legal skills, ethical awareness, and community engagement. These comprehensive efforts aim to cultivate a new generation of ethically grounded, community-oriented legal professionals ready to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development.
In his remarks, Professor Mukadas Buyinza, Academic Registrar, Makerere University emphasized Uganda’s commitment to transforming higher education through the adoption of competency-based and clinical legal education. He highlighted the importance of curriculum redesign, innovative teaching methodologies, and assessment reforms to equip graduates with practical skills, core values, and the right attitudes. Acknowledging the pivotal role of universities in driving socio-economic development, he advocated for sustained investment in capacity building, digital learning, and strategic partnerships. Professor Buyinza also called on institutions to embrace innovation and institutionalize confidence-based approaches to learning. Ultimately, he underscored the critical need for active stakeholder engagement to strengthen Uganda’s leadership in experiential, value-driven legal education—ensuring that graduates are ethically grounded and competently prepared to address societal needs.
Key Highlight from the Training
The education system prioritizes comprehensive assessment and curriculum design based on principles like authenticity, reliability, transparency, performance focus, and technology integration to produce ethically and professionally capable graduates. Lecturers play a vital role, requiring competencies in communication, research, curriculum development, technology, and ongoing professional development to adapt to emerging challenges such as AI and digital tools.
Uganda’s shift to competency-based education and curriculum reform aims to produce relevant, skilled, and ethically grounded graduates through innovative teaching, rigorous assessment, and continuous curriculum review involving diverse stakeholder input and international benchmarking. Curricula are systematically updated to align with societal, labor market, and global standards.
Assessment practices include formative, summative, diagnostic, performance-based tasks, self-evaluation, and peer review, guided by principles of authenticity, reliability, transparency, and technological use. Both traditional and innovative methods like interviews, debates, projects, and exams are employed.
Educational programs focus on developing diverse competencies, including foundational knowledge, critical thinking, social skills, practical skills, communication, ethics, digital literacy, research, lifelong learning, and vocational skills. Pedagogical approaches such as case-based learning, collaborative activities, environment and community-based learning, and digital platforms promote active engagement and practical skills, ensuring relevant and adaptable higher education.
Innovative practical teaching approaches incorporate community engagement and real-world assessments, to enhance student learning and relevance. There is need for careful student grouping, honest assessment, and resource allocation, including budgeting and support for field activities and student mobility, to effectively implement reforms and improve educational outcomes.
Transitioning to competency-based education must focus on developing knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through student-centered, interactive teaching methods.
Recommended approaches include participatory lectures, simulations, clinics, internships, case studies, problem-based learning, workshops, research projects, seminars, guest speakers, and audiovisual tools—all aimed at ensuring students acquire relevant competencies aligned with national, regional, and institutional goals.
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