Kampala International University (KIU) and Legal Aid Service Providers' Network (LASPNET) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The ceremony, held at the KIU Main Campus in the Vice Chancellor's office, marked a significant step in KIU's commitment to producing practice-ready graduates and promoting access to justice through experiential learning.

The MOU aims to provide KIU students with career and internship opportunities at the LASPNET call center, equipping them with hands-on experience and enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Prof. Regina Idu Ejemot-Nwadiaro, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Research, Innovations, Consultancy, and Extensions (RICE), signed on behalf of KIU, while Dr. Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa, Chief Executive Officer of LASPNET, represented the non-governmental organization.

"This partnership is a testament to KIU's commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also practically equipped to make a difference in society," said Prof. Ejemot. "We are excited to collaborate with LASPNET and provide our students with opportunities to gain valuable experience in the field of law."

Dr. Mundu Mustafa, DVC for Finance and Administration, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "This MOU is a significant milestone in our efforts to equip our students with practical experience in social-economic justice, human rights justice, and climate justice, empowering them to become agents of positive change in society".

Dr. Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa, CEO of LASPNET, emphasized the importance of access to justice, stating, "LASPNET's vision is a free and just society, and we believe that this partnership with KIU will help us achieve this goal. We are excited to work with KIU students and provide them with opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of law."

Rashid Kwizera, KIU Lawyer and Legal Officer, noted, "This partnership is a win-win for both KIU students and LASPNET. Our students will gain valuable experience, and LASPNET will benefit from the fresh perspectives and ideas that our students will bring."

Christine Ainebyoona, Deputy University Secretary and Campus Administrator, added, "We are delighted to see KIU students being given the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of law. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance their employability prospects and prepare them for the workforce."

Dr. Esther Kisubi, Dean of the School of Law, expressed her excitement, saying, "This partnership is a significant step towards achieving our goal of producing practice-ready graduates. We are confident that our students will benefit greatly from this collaboration and become better lawyers as a result."

Dr. Olawunmi Obisesan, Head of the Department of Clinical Legal Education (CLE), noted, "The partnership between KIU and LASPNET will provide our students with hands-on experience in the field of law, which is essential for their professional development. We are excited to see our students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and make a positive impact in society."

The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both KIU and LASPNET, including Assoc. Prof. Adedoyin Olusegun Akinsulure, Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning Coordinator; Badru Walusansa, Director of Programs; Duncan Keitirima, Legal Aid Call Center Coordinator; and Peter Mutebi, Networking, Coordination & Partnerships.

This historic partnership marks a significant step towards promoting access to justice and producing practice-ready graduates.