Kampala International University (KIU) and the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda) on Wednesday, 6^th August, 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a collaborative framework for legal education and professional development.

The MOU stipulates specific responsibilities for both FIDA-Uganda and the university's student chapter to ensure a successful partnership. FIDA-Uganda's primary role is to provide essential resources and guidance including facilitating trainings and mentorship, offering legal aid and advocacy opportunities, and supplying necessary resource materials.

In turn, the university is responsible for maintaining active student engagement by developing annual work plans, organizing events such as lectures, moot courts, and community outreach programs, submitting progress reports, and actively promoting the principles of FIDA-Uganda.

At the signing ceremony, Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, Vice-Chancellor noted that the partnership aims to provide KIU law students with opportunities for community service, internships, and legal awareness initiatives.

“The newly formed FIDA student chapter will facilitate student engagement and leadership development, engage students in legal aid, promote research and advocacy, and above all, and empower the next generation of legal professionals by connecting them with experienced mentors,” he added.

Proud of the work that FIDA has so far done in regards to empowering the girlchild, Prof. Regina Idu Ejemot-Nwadiaro, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Consultancy, and Extension (RICE) highlighted that gender-sensitive legal education prepares law students to be more effective and ethical legal professionals.

“It goes beyond traditional legal doctrine to teach students how the law impacts different people based on their gender. This approach helps them recognize and address biases within the legal system, ensuring they can advocate for all clients fairly and promote a more just society,” she noted.

Backing this up, Liliane Byarugaba Adriko, CEO - FIDA_Uganda said that despite advancements in legislation aimed at promoting gender equality, women in Uganda continue to face significant injustices, particularly in matters of property, family law, and divorce.

“The gap between legal provisions and their practical implementation is wide, often due to deeply ingrained patriarchal social norms and customary practices that conflict with statutory law. With the partnership therefore, students stand to gain a deeper understanding of gender-sensitive legal education, which helps them recognize and address the specific injustices women face. This knowledge is vital for becoming a well-rounded and ethical lawyer,” Adriko stressed.

Dr. Esther Kisubi, Dean School of Law described the partnership with FIDA-Uganda as a pivotal moment for the School of Law since it moves students beyond the classroom and into the heart of real-world legal practice.

“Through this collaboration, our students will not only gain a deeper understanding of legal theory, but they will also actively engage in fighting for justice, especially in critical areas like property and family law where so many women still face systemic injustices. We are not just training lawyers; we are shaping a new generation of advocates who are skilled, ethical, and committed to building a more equitable society," Dr. Kisubi emphasized.

Kathleen Alire Lakwech, the Membership, Research, and Fundraising Officer for FIDA-Uganda, highlighted mutual exchange of knowledge as a key benefit of the partnership.

“The collaboration is not a one-way street where experienced lawyers simply impart wisdom to students. Instead, it is a dynamic relationship where both sides learn from each other,” Lakwech said.

The signing ceremony was also witnessed by distinguished KIU officials. In attendance were: Dr. Mundu Mustafa, Deputy Vice Chancellor-Finance and Administration; Christine Ainebyoona, Deputy University Secretary & Campus Administrator, KIU Main Campus; Dr. Olawunmi Opeyemi Obisesan, Head of Clinical Legal Education Department; Assoc. Prof. Adedoyin Olusegun Akinsulure, Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning Coordinator (TLC) and Kwizera Rashid, University Legal Officer.

The partnership between FIDA-Uganda and KIU represents more than a commitment to mentorship and practical training; it is a strategic investment in the future of legal research and advocacy. By uniting the academic rigor of the university with FIDA's on-the-ground experience, this collaboration will empower a new generation of lawyers to not only understand legal theory but also to actively shape legal discourse.