Makerere wins inter-university moot court competitions

KAMPALA. Makerere University on Thursday won the 4th annual inter-university constitutional moot court competitions.

Makerere won this trophy for the very first time since the inception of the moot court competitions four years ago.

Makerere beat Uganda Christian University (UCU) in the final round to lift the trophy.

In total, ten universities that offer the law course participated in this year's inter-university moot court competitions held at Kampala International University (KIU).

"We feel happy that we have won this moot court competition as Makerere for the first time. We are also thankful to have got this opportunity to learn more about health issues," an exited Ms Ruth Muhawe, one of the Makerere finalists said shortly after lifting the trophy.

The other Makerere finalists were; Joel Roy Mucugunzi (3rd year) and Patrick Murungi (3rd year).

Mr Murungi was voted the best oralist in the competition, earning himself a free internship programme at Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), which organised the competitions.

The problem question that the law students debated was on sexuality education in schools.

They submitted on whether the decision of education ministry to put a ban on comprehensive sexual education was unconstitutional.

Speaking to the students after the contest, Supreme Court judge Esther Kisaakye, said the law students of this generation are lucky because during her days as a student, they never had such moot court programmes.

"You are lucky to get this experience because some of us didn't have it. It helps you find confidence and oratory skills," Justice Kisaakye who was part of the judges on the panel to assess the contestants said.

The judge continued: "To all the law students, this is an opportunity to grab to become better lawyers."

She advised the students to always know their case both on paper and upstairs so that when the judges start asking questions, they are able to answer them correctly. 

Dr Daniel Ruhweza, a lecturer at Makerere who was one of the judges, advised the law students to always be audible enough while arguing their cases in court and also command the audience as counsel.

"You must command the audience as counsel speak louder and if you feel a bit overwhelmed by the Bench, breathe in and out. The judges are also human beings, so don't feel shy to address them," Dr Ruhweza said.

Explaining the importance of the moot court competitions, Ms Specioza Avako from CEHURD, said it was intended to interest the students in issues of health in the country so that when they finally become lawyers, they passionately defend them in court.

"CEHURD prepares annual moot court every year to acquaint themselves with the issues of health. The objective is to inculcate the culture of appreciating the right to advance social justice," Ms Avako explained.

Retired High Court judge Elizabeth Nahamya, Prof. Ben Twinomugisha and Ms Premah Kwagala from CEHURD, were the other judges on the panel that determined the winners.