KIU’S MOOT COURT: A New Era for Practical Legal Training

Kampala International University (KIU) has taken a significant step in transforming legal education in Uganda with the launch of a state-of-the-art Moot Court facility at its main campus in Kansanga. The unveiling ceremony, held on August 8, 2025, was a testament to the university’s commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical instruction and practical legal experience.

Justice Monica Kalyegira Mugenyi, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda, led a plenary session on the theme “From Lecture Halls to Courtrooms: Embedding Practical Training in University.” She emphasized the importance of hands-on legal practice, stating, “Law is not merely taught; it must be lived. Moot courts like this one are where confidence, ethics, and advocacy take root.” She further added, “The judiciary plays a critical role in interpreting laws and ensuring that they are applied fairly and impartially. It is our duty to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens.”

The Moot Court facility is designed to provide law students with exposure to real-world courtroom settings, from oral submissions and drafting to judicial reasoning and decorum. Prof. Ngoma Muhammed, Vice Chancellor of KIU, expressed his vision for the university, saying, “KIU to become a real Court out of just a mere moot court.”

Dr. Basajjabalaba, in a speech read by his representative, highlighted the university’s commitment to practical training, stating, “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.”

Justice Mugenyi also emphasized the importance of tenacity and resilience in the pursuit of justice, advising students to “apply tenacity” when faced with obstacles and not to give up. She encouraged students to “start early in their lives to brand themselves and be intentional on branding themselves so well” and to “direct their energy for good.”

The launch of the Moot Court facility comes on the heels of KIU’s recent success in the 2025 National Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Competition, where the university’s team outperformed other universities across Uganda. The team will now represent the nation in the African regional rounds in Pretoria, South Africa.

The event was hosted by Dr. Olawunmi Opeyemi Obisesan, Head of the Department of Clinical Legal Education (CLE), and Dr. Esther Kisubi, Dean of the School of Law. Their leadership has been instrumental in promoting clinical legal education, placing KIU among the few universities in the region with a dedicated, practice-oriented legal program.

With the Moot Court now operational, KIU is poised to produce a new generation of lawyers who are not only academically sound but professionally prepared. As Justice Mugenyi noted, *”The future of our nation depends on the quality of our lawyers and the justice system. It is our responsibility to ensure that our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make a positive impact in society.”

A New Chapter in Legal Education

The launch of the Moot Court facility marks a new chapter in KIU’s commitment to excellence in legal education. With its focus on practical training and court literacy, KIU is well-positioned to produce graduates who are equipped to make a positive impact in the legal profession and beyond.