Kampala International University (KIU), consistently ranked among the top three universities in East Africa, has taken a giant leap in transforming legal education in Uganda with the launch of its state-of-the-art Moot Court facility. The ceremony, attended by esteemed guests, marked a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to producing practically trained lawyers. Justice Monica Kalyegira Mugenyi, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda, emphasized the importance of hands-on experience in legal education, stating, “Law is not merely taught; it must be lived.”
The Moot Court is designed to simulate real-world courtroom settings, providing students with a platform to hone their skills in oral submissions, drafting, and judicial reasoning. Prof. Ngoma Muhammed, Vice Chancellor of KIU, revealed plans to take the Moot Court to the next level, saying, “KIU aims to become a real Court out of just a mere moot court.” This vision is set to redefine the legal education landscape in Uganda, further solidifying KIU’s position as a leader in private higher education.
As Uganda’s leading private university, KIU has consistently demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence. With its School of Law recognized as one of the most dynamic and practically driven law faculties in the region, KIU is well-positioned to produce graduates who are equipped to make a positive impact in the legal profession and beyond. In a bid to leverage the wealth of experience from seasoned legal professionals, KIU plans to accommodate retired judges. Dr. Basajjabalaba noted that this initiative will enable students to learn from the best, growing into competent lawyers with integrity and courage. “KIU will ensure that retired judges are part of KIU to ensure their knowledge is out to the students, to learn to grow, rise to pursue justice with integrity and courage,” he said.
This development comes on the heels of KIU’s impressive performance in the 2025 National Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Competition, where the university’s team outperformed other universities across Uganda. With its Moot Court now operational, KIU is set to churn out a new breed of lawyers who are not only academically sound but also professionally prepared to make a positive impact in society. Justice Mugenyi aptly summed it up, “The future of our nation depends on the quality of our lawyers and the justice system.” As KIU continues to push the boundaries of legal education, its graduates are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of Uganda’s justice system.