Kampala International University (KIU) has ushered in a transformative moment for legal education in Uganda with the grand unveiling of its cutting-edge Moot Court facility at its Kansanga main campus on August 8, 2025.
The ceremony, attended by distinguished guests, faculty, and students, underscored KIU’s commitment to bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world legal practice.
The event, hosted by Dr. Olawunmi Opeyemi Obisesan, Head of the Department of Clinical Legal Education, and Dr. Esther Kisubi, Dean of the School of Law, featured a plenary session led by Justice Monica Kalyegira Mugenyi of the Supreme Court of Uganda.
Speaking on the theme "From Lecture Halls to Courtrooms: Embedding Practical Training in University," Justice Mugenyi emphasised the critical role of experiential learning.
“Law is not merely taught; it must be lived,” she declared. “Moot courts like this one are where confidence, ethics, and advocacy take root.”
The new Moot Court facility is designed to immerse law students in realistic courtroom scenarios, honing their skills in oral advocacy, legal drafting, judicial reasoning, and courtroom decorum.
Prof. Ngoma Muhammed, Vice Chancellor of KIU, articulated an ambitious vision, stating, “We aim for KIU to become a real court out of just a mere moot court.”
This bold aspiration reflects KIU’s drive to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also professionally equipped to excel in the legal field.
Calling for tenacity and integrity, Justice Mugenyi inspired students to approach their legal careers with resilience and a sense of purpose. “Apply tenacity when faced with obstacles, and never give up,” she advised.
She urged students to “start early in their lives to brand themselves” and to “direct their energy for good,” emphasising the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights.
Her words resonated deeply, reinforcing the facility’s role in fostering justice-driven leadership.
Dr. Basajjabalaba, in a speech delivered by his representative, highlighted KIU’s commitment to integrating experienced legal minds into its programs.
“KIU will ensure that retired judges are part of our institution to impart their knowledge, enabling students to grow, rise, and pursue justice with integrity and courage,” he said.
The launch comes on the heels of KIU’s recent victory in the 2025 National Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Competition, where its team outshone other Ugandan universities.
The team will now represent Uganda at the African regional rounds in Pretoria, South Africa, showcasing KIU’s growing prominence in legal scholarship.
In a way to equip the future of justice, KIU’s management has been tasked with developing a proposal to equip the Moot Court with modern facilities and to explore pathways for involving retired judges in its programs.
In a statement on behalf of the Board of Trustees, emphasised that the facility is “more than bricks and mortar.” Describing it as “an investment in legal excellence, critical thinking, and justice-driven leadership,” aligning with KIU’s vision of preparing well-rounded graduates for a rapidly changing world.
With the Moot Court now operational, KIU is poised to produce a new generation of lawyers equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to make a lasting impact. As Justice Mugenyi aptly noted, “The future of our nation depends on the quality of our lawyers and the justice system.”
KIU’s focus on practical training and court literacy positions it as a trailblazer in legal education, not only in Uganda but across the region.
This landmark initiative reflects KIU’s unwavering commitment to experiential learning and its growing stature as a centre of legal innovation.
The Moot Court is set to become a cornerstone of KIU’s School of Law, ensuring that graduates are ready to navigate the complexities of the legal profession and champion justice with integrity.