Makerere wins Inter-University Moot Court Competition

Makerere University on Friday emerged victorious in the 5th annual Inter University Law Moot Court competitions aimed at preparing young lawyers into litigation.

Makerere beat eight Universities in a tight race with 74 points, while Uganda Christian University Mukono Campus came second with 66 points.

The fifth University Law Moot Court competition was organised by Center for Health Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) at Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Kampala campus.

Among the universities that participated were Bishop Stuart University, IUIU Mbale and Kampala Campus, Cavendish University and Kampala International University.

In an interview with New Vision,  Ibrahim Nsereko, the Litigation Program officer said the law moot court empowers students with practical skills that are not attained at school.

David Kabanda, the programmes coordinator for CEHURD said, the choice for this year's theme; "Health, Business and Development" was inspired by the unfilled vacuum in social justice especially in cases related to health.

"There is a gap for health in social justice. We want to prepare the next generation of young lawyers into lawyers who can use a human rights based approach towards health such that health is no longer a commodity or service to be begged," Kabanda said

"Human rights are highly violated in the present day, when construction of roads and other infrastructural developments are taking place."

While presiding over the function, Justice Musa Sekaana urged the law students to always aim at protecting rights of vulnerable members of a society instead of focusing on making money.

"We should be more passionate about human rights; we ought to protect the rights of people not just to practice for the sake of money like some lawyers are doing." Justice Sekaana said.

Daniella Kagina a third year student at Makerere University won the prize for best orator. She was more eloquent, poised and well informed compared to other participants.

She said the competition gave her a real court experience and exposure