Law Students Test Skills in KIU Intra‑Firm Moot Court Competition

By Hattie Wright

KIU, Main Campus - Kampala International University (KIU) School of Law, Main Campus, through the Department of Clinical Legal Education in partnership with Bamugemereire & Co. Advocates, held the Intra‑Firm Moot Court Competition from Monday, August 24th to Wednesday, August 26th, 2026, at the KIU Moot Court.

The competition provided a platform for law students to moot cases in Criminal, Land, and Commercial law before a distinguished panel of judges:

• Her Worship Caroline Kabugho Byatugaga, Former Chief Magistrate of Luwero and Justice Advisor with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
• Gilbert Bukiya, Founding Partner, Volens Advocates
• Regan David Kaddu, Advocate of the High Court of Uganda

On the opening day, Her Worship Kabugho, herself a KIU alumna, expressed gratitude for presiding over the session. “I am glad to be here; this is my school. We are the pioneers of the university and we have to put in all effort to pave way for you. I am happy to be presiding over this court because I have a passion for teaching,” she said.

In an interactive session, she emphasized the importance of evidence in court proceedings, distinguishing between circumstantial and direct evidence, and highlighting the role of witnesses, medical experts, and documentary proof. She noted that documentary evidence should be tendered by its author or custodian, and explained the difference between primary and secondary documentary evidence.

Gilbert Bukiya, Founding Partner, Volens Advocates underscored the broader value of moot courts in shaping future lawyers. “Moot courts bridge classroom learning with real practice. They sharpen advocacy and critical thinking, preparing students not just to argue cases but to uphold justice in society,” he remarked.

Closing the competition, Regan David Kaddu, Advocate of the High Court of Uganda highlighted the relevance of Joint Scheduled Memorandums (JSMs), trial bundles, and witness statements, stressing that JSMs should be submitted after parties have closed their cases.

He explained: “Submissions are legal documents which contain facts of issues guided by legal documents which are the joint scheduled memorandum. Both counsels of different parties sit together and agree on what to put in these documents.”

He further noted that while the High Court can deliver a final judgment without submissions, it cannot do so without witnesses, since submissions are persuasive but not binding.

Winners of the competition were Belinda Ahumuza and Precious Kemigisha, defendants in the Land Law Moot, with Joseph Kaayabula recognized as the Best Oralist.

The Intra‑Firm Moot Court Competition reaffirmed KIU’s dedication to practical legal education, bridging theory with real‑world practice. By engaging with seasoned practitioners and alumni, students gained invaluable insights into courtroom procedure and advocacy.

The three-day event not only strengthened their professional skills but also underscored KIU’s mission of ‘Exploring the Heights’ in nurturing future judges and lawyers who will shape Uganda’s justice system and beyond.