KIU Western Campus Unveils State-of-the-Art Moot Court to Strengthen Legal Training

KIU, Western Campus – A new chapter in courtroom learning unfolded at Kampala International University, Western Campus (KIU-WC) on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, as the School of Law (SOL) unveiled its state-of-the-art Moot Court, creating a dedicated space where students can move beyond studying the law to practising its application.

The ceremony was graced by His Worship (H/W) Andrew Kabombo, Deputy Registrar, High Court of Uganda, Bushenyi, as Chief Guest and hosted by Assoc. Prof. Eric Mabonga, Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), KIU-WC.

The programme began with Assoc. Prof. Mabonga formally receiving the Chief Guest at his office, before a solemn procession proceeded from the Administration Block to the Moot Court on the ground floor of the Postgraduate Block.

At the venue, H/W Kabombo, together with university top management, officially unveiled the facility, marking a new chapter in the SOL’s efforts to expose students to the realities of courtroom practice.

Speaking on behalf of the students, H.E Filbert Abigaba, President of the Moot Court, described the unveiling as a historic moment for the SOL.

“Today we open more than a room. We open a place where justice will be rehearsed. We open a place where lawyers will be born,” he said.

Abigaba pledged that the Moot Court leadership would keep the facility active through regular training, arguments and learning, while working to prepare students for moot competitions at national, regional and international levels.

He also called on members of the bench and bar to continue supporting students through mentorship, judging moot competitions and providing constructive guidance.

Meanwhile, the Dean, SOL, Dr. Maria Umo Edet, explained that the facility would help students develop skills in identifying legal issues, finding relevant authorities, preparing persuasive submissions, arguing before a bench and responding to judicial questions.

Quoting British jurist Lord Denning, Dr. Edet noted that a good lawyer does not have to know every law, but must know where to find the law and how to apply it.

She described the Moot Court as a “laboratory of legal practice” and encouraged students to use it to strengthen their research, legal writing and advocacy abilities.

Dr. Edet also announced four law firms approved to support mentorship and practical training within the SOL: Paul Tusubira & Co. Advocates, Kasenene & Co. Advocates, Asingwire Kakuru & Co. Advocates, and Kamugisha Deus & Co. Advocates.

According to her, the partnerships will expose students to the realities of legal practice and provide opportunities to learn from practising professionals.

On professional conduct, Dr. Shamim Basajja, Resident Director and Deputy Director, Quality Assurance and Monitoring, urged students to uphold professional ethics as they prepare for careers in the legal profession.

“Professionalism and integrity must remain at the centre of your training. The standards you develop as students will shape how you conduct yourselves when you transition into professional practice,” she said.

Speaking from the university leadership perspective, Assoc. Prof. Mabonga said the Moot Court addresses an important gap in legal education by giving law students a space to apply what they learn in class and the library.

“Previously, the School of Law had only lecture rooms and the library. Now, here we are,” he said, challenging students to make the facility an active space for legal arguments and courtroom simulations.

He also commended the law firms that have agreed to support the SOL’s practical training, urging students to protect the reputation associated with the firms’ names by conducting themselves with professionalism and integrity.

The Chief Guest, H/W Kabombo, encouraged students to make reading and research central to their legal training, drawing on his experience as an advocate before joining the Judiciary.

He observed that the country needs more litigators who are well prepared to handle cases before court and urged students to use the Moot Court to develop the discipline required for effective courtroom practice.

“Please strengthen those skills as you start your training; you will be able to distinguish yourselves when that time comes,” he said.

H/W Kabombo stressed the importance of preparing adequately before appearing in court and understanding clients and their cases. He further reminded students that legal careers extend beyond courtroom litigation, with opportunities in government, banks, non-governmental organizations and other sectors.

He encouraged students undertaking internships and clerkships to maintain professional conduct and make the most of their exposure to legal practice. He also offered to participate in future Moot Court sessions and mentor students.

The unveiling was followed by a Moot Court competition between Legal Excellence & Co. Advocates and Justice & Scholarship & Co. Advocates, with H/W Kabombo presiding as judge, giving students an opportunity to put their courtroom skills into practice before the bench.

Justice & Scholarship & Co. Advocates emerged as the winners, while Judith Atukunda was recognized as Best Female Orator and Filbert Abigaba as Best Male Orator.

The establishment of the Moot Court strengthens the SOL’s capacity to complement academic instruction with experiential learning and prepare students for the professional demands of the legal field.

The ceremony was also attended by senior university administrators, including Dr. Ibrahim Babangida Abubakar, Assistant DVC, Academics and Research; Dr. Bot Yakubu Sunday, ADVC, Finance and Administration; Dr. Joyce Kirabo, Senior Campus Administrator; and Miriam Nikwakunzire, Campus Administrator, alongside Principals, Directors, Deans, Heads of Departments, staff and students from the SOL and other faculties.