Over 500 graduate with diploma in law from LDC

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There was joy and excitement at Law Development Centre (LDC) in Kampala on Friday afternoon as more than 590 students graduated with diplomas and certificates in administrative law in part one of the institution's 53rd graduation ceremony.

Presiding over the graduation ceremony, Dr Pius Bigirimana, the Judiciary permanent secretary, urged graduates to uphold discipline to achieve their aspirations.

Using an example of his 40-year experience in public service spanning from 1980, when he served as an assistant District Commissioner in Kisoro district, Bigirimana told the graduates that it is the knowledge which they have gained that is going to help them succeed.

“While qualifications and technical skills may get you hired, emotional intelligence determines how effectively you apply your qualifications and skills to navigate workplace dynamics,” Bigirimana said.

Judiciary PS Dr Pius Bigirimana giving an award to Abdul Katongole as Dr Pamela Tibihikkira-Kalyegira looks on. (Photo by Farooq Kasule)

Bigirimana also urged them to use the skills acquired to support those in the quest for justice in the community.

“Your role is critical in society. There is an endless quest for social justice. In many places, people are being evicted from their land, and in other communities, orphans and widows are facing threats of losing their inheritance to unscrupulous land grabbers. So, you have been empowered with sufficient legal knowledge and, notwithstanding the limitations on your right to legal practice, use the skills acquired to help them,” Bigirimana noted.

Bigirimana, who equally holds a certificate in administration law, said LDC is a very important stakeholder in the country’s justice system because the success of administration of justice partly depends on having skilled, ethical and legal professionals.

He commended the LDC director, Dr Pamela Tibihikkira-Kalyegira, for her critical role in ensuring that all the activities of LDC are aligned to the administration of the justice program, in addition to promoting collaboration among justice institutions.

“I want to promise that as long as I am still the chairman of the working group of this program, we shall support LDC,” Bigirimana said.

With the judiciary on the ambitious journey to a paperless case management system, Bigirimana urged the graduates to embrace technology.

“Everybody can succeed only and only if you have got abundance mentality, which is the belief that everything is possible,” Bigirimana said.

Bigirimana said success requires a positive mind. “You must have a good attitude, be sincere, resilient and patient for you to succeed,” Bigirimana said.

Bigirimana also warned the graduates against aspiring for quick riches, saying they will crash before reaching their destination.

He also appealed to the graduates to respect authority if they want to succeed.

Dr Kalyegira commended the graduates for the sacrifice and hard work that has enabled them to accomplish their education.

“May this be the beginning of a purposeful and impactful journey for you,” Dr Kalyegira said.

Justice Christopher Madrama, the chairperson of the LDC management committee, encouraged the graduates to use the skills acquired to provide services to society.

“You should always remember that the journey of life will bring both opportunities and challenges. May you always have the strength and courage to overcome your challenges, and may you always stay motivated when the going gets tough,” Madrama said.