Makerere University School of Law Lecturer Robert Kirunda has been appointed as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), becoming only the second Ugandan to join this prestigious international tribunal.
The appointment was officially confirmed in a statement released by Makerere Law School on Thursday, which described the achievement as a testament to Kirunda’s expertise and significant contributions to legal scholarship.
Established in 1899 and headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, the PCA is one of the world’s oldest institutions for the peaceful resolution of international disputes.
Over the years, it has evolved into a modern, multi-faceted organisation that addresses disputes involving states, state entities, intergovernmental organisations, and private parties.
The PCA handles a wide range of cases, including territorial and maritime boundaries, sovereignty, human rights, foreign investment, international trade, and environmental law.
Kirunda, who joined Makerere Law School in 2005, brings extensive experience in both academic and professional legal practice.
Prior to his current role, he taught at the Makerere Business School and interned at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. He practices corporate and commercial law in Uganda and has consulted on numerous projects involving diverse legal issues across several countries.
A prolific scholar, Kirunda has published extensively in areas including Human Rights, Constitutional Law, Intellectual Property, Land Law, International Environmental Law, and International Trade Law.
His current research interests focus on Oil and Gas Law, World Trade Organization (WTO) Law, and the intersections of Human Rights and Good Governance.
At Makerere, he teaches Land Law, Land Transactions, and Bankruptcy Law to undergraduate students, and WTO Law to LL.M. students.
Uganda’s representation on the PCA is widely seen as a significant step in enhancing the country’s profile in international law and arbitration.
Kirunda’s appointment places him among a select group of global legal practitioners entrusted with resolving some of the most complex disputes between states, corporations, and international organisations.
Makerere University School of Law lauded the appointment, noting, “This achievement highlights the growing recognition of Ugandan legal professionals on the global stage.
It reflects not only Kirunda’s personal expertise but also Uganda’s contribution to the international legal order.”
The PCA currently has 122 contracting parties, including Uganda, and continues to play a central role in facilitating arbitration and dispute resolution worldwide, complementing the work of institutions such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Kirunda’s appointment represents a milestone for Ugandan law and underscores the increasing impact of African legal professionals in international arbitration and global legal governance.