Building Courtroom Confidence: KIU Hosts Intra-Firm Moot Court Competition

By Hattie Wright

KIU, Main Campus - The Kampala International University (KIU) School of Law, through its Department of Clinical Legal Education (CLE) in partnership with Kanyeihamba & Co. Advocates, successfully held the Intra-Firm Moot Court Competition on Friday, 18th September, 2026 at the KIU Moot Court.

The competition provided an invaluable platform for law students to showcase their advocacy, legal research, and courtroom skills by arguing cases in Sports Law, Competition Law, and Intellectual Property Law before a distinguished panel of judges.

The panel comprised:

• Patrick Kazibwe, Advocate of the High Court, specialising in Intellectual Property and Sports Law.
• Fildel Mugarura Otafiire, International Sports Lawyer and FIFA Licensed Agent.
• Regan David Kaddu, Advocate of the High Court of Uganda.

Opening the event, Regan David Kaddu commended the students for their enthusiasm and commitment to learning. He emphasized the importance of continued support and investment in legal education to help aspiring lawyers reach their full potential.

Throughout the competition, participants demonstrated strong legal reasoning, advocacy techniques, and a deep understanding of contemporary legal issues. Their performances reflected extensive preparation and research, earning praise from the judges.

Speaking during the closing session, Fildel Mugarura Otafiire applauded the students for their impressive grasp of legal principles and their ability to apply the law effectively in a practical setting. He noted that the quality of research presented during the competition was evident in the arguments advanced by the participants.

Patrick Kazibwe highlighted the growing relationship between sports law, competition law, and intellectual property, describing the intersection of these fields as a significant opportunity for emerging legal professionals. He further observed that increasing government investment in the sports sector, including the construction of new sports facilities, is likely to create new career opportunities for young lawyers.

At the conclusion of the competition, all participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their effort and achievement.

The event showcased the growing confidence, professionalism, and legal competence of KIU law students while reinforcing the university's commitment to experiential learning.

Conclusion

The Intra-Firm Moot Court Competition reaffirmed KIU's dedication to practical legal education by bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world legal practice. Through engagement with experienced practitioners and legal professionals, students gained valuable insights into courtroom procedure, advocacy, and professional ethics.

The competition not only strengthened participants' legal skills but also underscored KIU's mission of "Exploring the Heights" by nurturing future lawyers, advocates, and judicial officers who will contribute meaningfully to Uganda's justice system and the broader legal profession.