Makerere Law School Celebrates Moot Competitions Teams for Outstanding Performance

Makerere University School of Law (SoL) celebrated its moot court teams for outstanding performances in national, regional and international competitions, recognising the students’ achievements as a reflection of the School’s culture of excellence and legal scholarship.

The students, drawn from the Makerere Moot Society and moot teams that have represented the University with distinction, were recognised at a luncheon hosted by the Dean of the School of Law, Professor Ronald Naluwairo, on 21 August 2026. The event brought together School leadership, moot teams, leadership of the Makerere Moot Society, staff and students.

Recent wins by SoL teams in moot court competitions include: Christof Heynes All Africa Human Rights Moot Competition held in Cote d’Ivoire which brought together over 80 teams from across Africa; Boston International Innovation Moot Competition; Inaugural Digital Health Inter-University Moot Court Competition; Land Law Inter-University Moot Court Competition; Sports Law Moot Court Competition among others.

The luncheon recognised the students’ dedication, intellectual rigour and commitment to excellence in moot competitions, as well as their contribution to the reputation and visibility of Makerere University. Moot court competitions challenge students to apply their legal knowledge in demanding simulations of professional practice, requiring excellence in legal research, critical analysis, written opinions and oral argument. The students’ performances have provided opportunities to showcase these skills on national and international platforms.

Speaking at the luncheon, Professor Naluwairo commended the teams for their strong performances in recent competitions, including the team that represented Makerere in Côte d’Ivoire at the Christof Heynes All Africa Human Rights Moot Competition. He said the students’ achievements had brought pride to the School and the University, particularly as they continued to combine excellence at the competitions with strong academic performance in their studies.

The Dean acknowledged the commitment required to participate in moot competitions and student leadership while pursuing demanding academic programmes. He urged the students to maintain a healthy balance between co-curricular engagements and their academic responsibilities.

Professor Naluwairo encouraged the teams to sustain their momentum, “keep the fire burning” and continue representing Makerere with distinction. He also recognised the contribution of coaches, coordinators, student leaders and staff members of the School who support the students’ participation in moot competitions.

The Head of Commercial Law and Acting Deputy Dean, Dr Ivan Engoru, congratulated the students, noting that their achievements had enhanced both their professional development and the visibility of the University.

Dr Engoru emphasised the importance of translating academic training into the practical skills required in professional legal practice, particularly courtroom submissions. He encouraged the students to remain committed to excellence and commended Dr Daniel Ruhweza, Head of the Department of Law and Jurisprudence and Coordinator of Moots, for his leadership of the mooting programme despite limited resources.

“We will be right with you whenever you need us,” Dr Engoru said, reaffirming the School’s commitment to supporting the students and the continued growth of the programme.

In his remarks at the luncheon, Dr Ruhweza attributed the School’s success in mooting in part to the deliberate support of the Dean and School leadership. He noted that this support had gone beyond financial assistance to include close engagement with teams, as well as efforts to secure partnerships and opportunities that strengthen students’ preparation and performance. He also revealed that discussions were underway to integrate mooting into the academic curriculum, potentially enabling students to earn academic credit for their participation.

Dr Ruhweza said the School’s growing mooting culture had increased student interest and created opportunities for exposure, recognition and international engagement. He emphasised the need to ensure that students across different years have opportunities to participate and develop their skills.

Three students (Ms Chikondi Nyirenda from Zambia, Ms Aya Ghazy from Egypt, and Ms Ansela Sloman from South Africa) on the LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) from the University of Pretoria Centre for Human Rights collaborative programme with SoL also attended the luncheon.

 The three visiting students are spending a semester at the School as part of the programme.  In addition to their work, the students are auditing classes and sharing academic and practical experiences with students and lecturers, further strengthening academic and institutional ties.

Speaking at the luncheon, students that have participated in moot competitions highlighted how the accomplishments reflect the SoL’ dedication to blending rigorous legal scholarship with practical skills. They noted that competing in national, regional, and international competitions not only elevates Makerere University’s global profile but also equips them with the vital preparation needed for distinguished legal careers.

The SoL congratulates the Makerere Moot Society and all students who have represented the University with distinction and looks forward to further achievements in mooting.

SoL Celebrates Moot Teams for Outstanding Performance