Law
SoL Orientation 2025: ‘Always strive to Excel, avoid Mediocrity’, Law Freshers advised
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.
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.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 23rd June 2026 during his visitation to Colleges, Stand-alone Schools and Institutes to discuss management and administration of graduate training and research commended the School of Law (SoL) Leadership and Faculty on attaining the 40% Graduate Student enrolment target as per the University Strategic Plan. Citing examples of the U.S. and China, he noted that a country’s PhD per capita correlates with capacity to develop, and therefore encouraged SoL to keep improving graduate training and research output.
Prof. Nawangwe commended the School’s Staff Colloquia Series and research priorities on Environmental Law, especially Water, noting that this compliments institutional efforts to establish specialized Graduate programmes like the proposed collaborative Masters in Environmental Diplomacy with the University of Padova. He therefore reassured the School of support in establishment of new Centres of Excellence and revitalization of the Environment Law Centre (ELC) as well as measures to address staff promotion and recruitment.
Commending the School’s longstanding collaboration with the University of Pretoria particularly through the Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA), the Vice Chancellor urged faculty to forge more partnerships especially those that incorporate joint degree supervision. “We were able to graduate hundreds of PhDs with Sida support due to joint supervision arrangements with Swedish institutions” he elaborated.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Head Makerere Writing Centre-Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, Managing Editor of Makerere University Press (MakPress)-Prof. William Tayeebwa and Mr. Andrew Mwesigwa from the Makerere University Library. They were received at SoL by the Dean-Prof. Ronald Naluwairo, Deputy Dean-Dr. Zahara Nampewo, and the School’s leadership and faculty.
Addressing the meeting, Prof. Naluwairo thanked the University Council and Management under the leadership of Prof. Nawangwe for prioritizing infrastructure development that paved way for the construction and furnishing of the new School of Law Building. “Every member of staff now has an office”, he added. This development, he noted, that has made the School environment more conducive for work, student supervision and personal study.
The Dean reported that SoL currently has 414 graduate students, with 41 enrolled for the Doctor of Laws (LLD). He nevertheless added that only twenty three (23) faculty are eligible to teach and supervise graduate students, which impacts their workload. It was on this note that the requested the Management team to prioritise recruitment and promotions for the School.
In terms of research output, Prof. Naluwairo highlighted the East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights (EAJPHR) produced by the Human Rights and Peace Centre (HURIPEC), the Makerere Law Journal produced by Students, as well as the HURIPEC and Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC) Working Paper Series as the School’s main publication avenues. He nevertheless called for the approval of specialized Master of Laws (LLM) programmes, additional support for graduate students’ support services and increased Graduate Fellows’ appointments to further boost the School’s output.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi in his submission commended the SoL on its world renowned and well respected status, as observed from a recent working visit to the European University Institute (EUI) in Italy. He therefore urged the School to take advantage of this rich legacy by further expanding their frontier of collaboration internationally and attracting more Honorary and Adjunct Professors to help supervise and mentor graduate students.
Contributing to the discussion, Prof. Julius Kikooma congratulated SoL on attaining the Graduate Student Enrolment target and added that this would be further boosted with the roll-out of the Research Information Management System (RIMS) to track graduate students’ milestones. He equally informed the meeting that a curriculum on graduate supervision is being development in partnership with the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), to help standardize and guide the process.
Additionally, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi reassured the School of Law of the his Centre’s readiness to provide training that can help improve the writing of grants, reports and dissertations so as to further boost research output. The Centre has, in keeping with current trends, organized training on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing and research output. Also in the pipeline are trainings on writing policy briefs, and a writing retreat in collaboration with MakPress to help finalists complete of theses and dissertations on time.
The Managing Editor, Prof. Tayeebwa congratulated SoL upon the East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights (EAJPHR)’s consistent production since 1993. He equally expressed MakPress’ readiness to digitize and assign International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) and Digital Object Identifier (DOI) identifiers to further boost the publication’s visibility. “We are ready to work with you to establish any other journals you have ideas for” he added.
The discussions concluded with the Vice Chancellor’s reassurance of the continued protection of academic freedom, whereupon he urged the SoL faculty to feature more prominently in the Kampala Geopolitics Conference, where the African perspective is integrated into discussions of current geopolitical issues. The visit was concluded with a tour of the SoL Moot Court.
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