Mak School Of Law Hosts 2022 Phillip Jessup International Moot Competition National Rounds

The Makerere University School of Law (SoL) successfully hosted the 2022 Phillip Jessup International Moot Competition National Rounds for Uganda. The event was held at Makerere University Campus on the 11th March 2022. Four (4) teams participated in the national rounds including Makerere University (Team J561), Uganda Christian University, Mukono (Team J184), Justice Defenders Uganda (Team J294) and Kampala International University (Team J636).

Jessup is the world’s largest moot court competition, with participants from roughly 700 law schools in 100 countries and jurisdictions. The Competition is a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations. One team is allowed to participate from every eligible school. Teams prepare oral and written pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case.

Benson Mayanja (L), Ruvarashe Ndanga (R) and their colleague (C) represented Team Makerere University. Photo credit: Twitter/@IlsaUganda

The national rounds werea simulation of a case before the International Court of Justice titled ‘Special Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Antara (Applicant) and the Velan Kingdom of Ravaria (Respondent) to Submit to the International Court of Justice the differences between the parties concerning the Suthan Referendum’. The issues under review were Digital Rights, International Human Rights, and Cyber Law specifically for the Suthan Referendum.

Uganda Christian University (Team J185) emerged winners and Makerere University (Team J561) were first runners-up after a long day of face-off among the four (4) teams represented at the competition. The two teams will represent Uganda at the next level of competition i.e. White and Case International Rounds.

Benson Mayanja of Makerere University (Right) receives his Best Oralist of the 2022 Jessup National Rounds Award from President Philbert Kansiime (Left). Photo credit: Twitter/@MakMootSociety

Benson Mayanja of Makerere University was awarded the Best Oralist Award. The ILSA-Jessup Community of Uganda commended the participating teams for the stellar performance throughout the competition and special recognition was made toward the Justice Defenders Team who made their submissions from Luzira Prison.

The event was supported by the International Law Students Association (ILSA) and Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC), Makerere University.