'Confidence, dress code, and punctuality define your professional identity'

KAMPALA - In a masterclass for Uganda’s future legal titans, Supreme Court judge Mike Chibita has delivered a blunt ultimatum to law students: Master courtroom decorum or risk your credibility. 

Speaking at the 12th Annual Moot Court Competition organised by the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), Chibita, presiding alongside judges from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court, demanded excellence beyond legal knowledge.

"Be confident when appearing before courts of justice," Chibita said, locking eyes with students from 14 universities. 

"You must be exceptional orators, public speakers, and above all, respect court decorum through impeccable dress code." 

He added, "The first impression is the last impression. Give employers a professional image from day one."

Chibita also urged them to always keep time, avoid disorganisation, and be confident in the legal profession.

Why courtroom etiquette matters 

CEHURD executive director Fetia Kiyange revealed how the moot court bridges theory and high-stakes reality. 

"This competition lets students interact with judges while tackling Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and gender justice. It mirrors the combined effort needed to realize human rights," she said.

Kiyange traced CEHURD’s legacy to its landmark 2011 Constitutional Court case (Kampala Petition No. 16), which ignited years of pioneering litigation:

• Challenging maternal deaths in Nakaseke

• Exposing child theft at Mulago Hospital

• Overturning Penal Code clauses labeling persons with disabilities as "idiots, lunatics"

CEHURD executive director Fetia Kiyange revealed how the moot court bridges theory and high-stakes reality. (Credit: Juliet Waiswa)

"These cases motivated us to immerse students in real courtroom scenarios," Kiyange said.

"We introduce the culture of the right to health to those who never studied it—and build capacity to litigate human rights within Uganda’s courts."

Taking the stand

This year’s moot spotlighted SRHR battles, presided over by elite jurists:

• Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire (Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court)

• High Court Judge Ida Nakiganda

• Justice Eva Luswata (Court of Appeal)

• Justice Daniel Kaswagga (Constitutional Court)

Students from Makerere, Cavendish, Gulu, Islamic University (Kampala & Mbale), and others tested their skills.

Among them, Cavendish University’s Mirembe Linda Namulama and Masolo Edrina argued as appellants in a groundbreaking case defending women’s SRHR, proving Chibita’s lesson in action.