Elevating Legal Education: The School of Law at Kampala International University

Kampala International University (KIU) School of Law is now one of the most dynamic and innovative legal education centers in East Africa. With its commitment to critical knowledge, research, leadership, and social impact, the institution has become a transformative hub for future lawyers, advocates, and policy leaders.

A Legal Education Rooted in Excellence

To train globally competent lawyers, KIU’s School of Law offers students a well-rounded experience that blends academic rigor with hands-on practice. Its innovative curriculum ensures that learners graduate as adaptive and impactful legal professionals ready to tackle the complex challenges of today’s world such as environmental justice and digital law.

The school's reputation for excellence is further cemented by the high number of its graduates consistently gaining admission to Uganda’s Law Development Centre (LDC).

Achieving a Historic Milestone: Uganda’s First Private PhD in Law

On July 17th, 2024, KIU made history by becoming the first private university in Uganda to confer a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law. Dr. Kisubi Esther Christine, the School of Law’s first PhD graduate, defended her groundbreaking dissertation on Environmental Justice in the Oil and Gas Sub-Sector in Uganda. Her research has been commended as a vital contribution to sustainable development and legal reform within the country’s burgeoning oil and gas industry.

This achievement places KIU alongside the country’s top universities, solidifying its status as a leader in higher education and research. With only Makerere University having conferred a PhD in Law prior to this, KIU now stands at the forefront of advanced legal education in Uganda.

The Competitive Edge: Why Study Law at KIU?

Innovative Curriculum and Practical Learning Experiences

KIU programs blend theory with real-world application. The Department of Clinical Legal Education (CLE) at KIU’s School of Law enhances student welfare and supports practical, student-centered activities aimed at professional growth. This is done by engaging students in moot court competitions, pre-LDC training, debate programs, and community-based legal aid projects, all aimed at developing well-rounded legal professionals. CLE has built partnerships with organizations like FIDA Uganda, the Female Lawyers Network, the Uganda Law Society, the Buganda Kingdom, and the Judiciary, enriching student experience through mentorships, study trips, and skills training.

Currently, KIU has increased its student law firms from three to five, with a sixth in progress, and is expanding its moot court to accommodate the growing impact of CLE on campus.

In addition to participating in notable events like the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, the 33rd Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court, and the International Scientific Conference of the All-Russian State University of Justice, KIU students have also engaged in local initiatives such as the Kabaka Birthday Run and Uganda Judiciary's National Open Court Day.

Under CLE department, students gain insights through mentorship from prominent figures, including Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana and Chief Magistrate Nasambu Esther Adonyo.

Research Opportunities: Students are engaged in research that addresses emerging legal fields, including intellectual property, environmental law, and digital rights.

Experienced Staff: KIU boasts a faculty drawn from diverse regions and backgrounds, offering students access to a wealth of academic and professional expertise.

Commitment to Social Impact: The School of Law places a strong emphasis on legal studies as a tool for promoting justice, equity, and sustainability. Its focus on environmental justice reflects the institution’s commitment to training professionals who prioritize ethical approaches to law.

Training the Next Generation of Legal Scholars and Supervisors

With its transformative curriculum, research focus, and practical training opportunities, KIU’s School of Law stands out as a leader in legal education in Uganda and the region. The university is also committed to equipping its faculty with the necessary skills to guide postgraduate students in their research journeys. On September 30th, 2024, the School of Law, in partnership with the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Consultancy (DRICE) and the Directorate of Higher Degrees and Research (DHDR), hosted a "Training the Trainer" workshop. Themed Thesis and Dissertation Supervision in Line with KIU Guidelines, the event empowered faculty members with knowledge on best practices for supervising dissertations and theses.

This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the School of Law remains at the forefront of academic excellence with the capability to nurture future leaders in legal research and practice.