Law
SoL Orientation 2026 Kicks-Off: Freshers encouraged to Pursue Excellence and Purpose
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.
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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