Makerere wins inter-university moot Court competition

Oct 29, 2019

The best orator during the presentations was Innocent Jude Rwothomio from Makerere University.

KAMPALA - Makerere University has won the Inter-University disability rights moot court competition after beating the Uganda Christian University, Mukono.

Out of the four universities, which participated in the moot court competition, Makerere University emerged the best by scoring 82% during the final round.

The best orator during the presentations was Innocent Jude Rwothomio from Makerere University.

The universities that participated in the competition include Kampala International University, Islamic University in Uganda, Uganda Christian University and Makerere University.

Speaking during the 2nd annual national conference on disability rights organized by school of Law at Makerere University on Friday, disability law and rights centre project officer, Patricia Atim said, "The moot competition is one of the strategies we use when we involve students in this learning process for dissemination of this operation. Usually, when you use a moot strategy, then you bring another dimension to the learning and advocacy process."

 ome of the law students from ganda hristian niversity speaking to the judges during the interuniversity moot court competition Some of the law students from Uganda Christian University speaking to the judges during the inter-university moot court competition

 


According to Atim, the moot competition tests students' knowledge and skills of the law as far as the rights of persons with disabilities are concerned.  Besides that, the competition also trains law students about preparation in court cases, arguing cases, professional conduct, legal writing, and presentation.

During the final round of the competition, Justice Lydia Mugambe of the high court pointed out some of the key issues she observed as law students were arguing cases.

Mugambe said, "When you are in court before the judges, always maintain eye contact. Also, during presentations, avoid reading because, at the level of your submission, you have to be able to articulate issues. In addition, also avoid boring judges because when they get bored, they will start judging you."

Under the theme, "leaving no one behind" promoting accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities for sustainable development in Uganda, Dr. Damalie Naggita-Musoke said, the conference was organized to enhance public awareness towards the rights of persons with disabilities.

ome of the participants during the interuniversity moot court competitions Some of the participants during the inter-university moot court competitions

 

"We want to Call for the mainstreaming of disability rights in all government policies, programmes, and department, advocate for the promotion of participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the development agenda,  disseminate research findings on the various aspects of disability," added Naggita.

According to the 2014 National Population and Census Report, disability prevalence in Uganda is at 12.5%. Children with disabilities aged 17 years and below constitute 2.9%, youth with disabilities aged 18-30 years are 2%, adults with disabilities aged 31-64 years are 5.5%, whereas older persons with disabilities aged 65 and above are 2.1% of the population.

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