Law experts root for hands-on legal practices

KAMPALA - Law students have been advised to embrace hands-on legal practice.

The Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda, Justice Monica Kalyegira Mugenyi, said law is not merely taught, but it must be lived.

In regard, Justice Mugenyi said law students can gain confidence, ethics, and advocacy to take root by attending Moot courts.

“The judiciary plays a critical role in interpreting laws and ensuring that they are applied fairly and impartially. It is our duty to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens," she said.

Justice Mugenyi was speaking during the launch of a state-of-the-art Moot Court at Kampala International University (KIU) main campus in Kansanga, a city suburb, on Friday, August 8, 2025.

Justice Monica Kalyegira Mugenyi cuts a ribbon as she launched the Moot court at Kampala International University (KIU), alongside the university vice chancellor Prof Ngoma Muhammed, among other officials, on Friday. (Credit: Agnes Kyotalengerire)

Justice Mugenyi also led a plenary session on the theme "From Lecture Halls to Courtrooms: Embedding Practical Training in University."

In addition, she said tenacity and resilience are important in the pursuit of justice, and appealed to students to "apply tenacity" when faced with obstacles and not to give up.
She also urged students to start branding themselves early and be intentional.

Justice Mugenyi noted that the unveiling of the Moot court was a testament to the university's commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical instruction and practical legal experience.

“With the Moot Court now operational, KIU is poised to produce a new generation of lawyers who are not only academically sound but professionally prepared,” she noted, adding that the future of our nation depends on the quality of our lawyers and the justice system.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make a positive impact in society, "Justice Mugenyi said.

The Moot Court facility is designed to provide law students with exposure to real-world courtroom settings, from oral submissions and drafting to judicial reasoning and decorum.

Guest officials and students of KIU during the Moot Court launch. (Credit: Agnes Kyotalengerire)

In a speech read by his representative, the founder of the institute Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, said the university is committed to offering practical training.

"KIU will engage retired judges to teach and equip students with their knowledge to pursue justice with integrity and courage” Dr. Basajjabalaba.

The vice chancellor of Kampala International University (KIU), Prof. Ngoma Muhammed said the launch of the Moot Court facility marks a new chapter in KIU's commitment to excellence in legal education.

“With its focus on practical training and court literacy, KIU is well-positioned to produce graduates who are equipped to make a positive impact in the legal profession and beyond,” Prof Ngoma noted.

The development follows Kampala International University’s (KIU's) recent success in the 2025 National Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Competition, where the university's team outperformed other universities across Uganda. 

The team will now represent the nation in the African regional rounds in Pretoria, South Africa.