Kampala International University (KIU) has spotlighted a defining moment for legal education in Uganda following the conclusion of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition (Jessup Moot) – National Rounds, where Makerere University emerged as Uganda’s National Champion.
The 2026 national rounds brought together five universities—Kampala International University (KIU), Makerere University, Uganda Christian University (UCU), Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Mbale Campus, and King Ceasor University (KCU)—underscoring the growing national commitment to international legal advocacy and courtroom excellence.
Makerere University secured the title after a compelling final against Uganda Christian University (UCU), the 2025 national champions, who finished this year as runners-up following another strong and disciplined performance.
The competition showcased a high standard of public international law interpretation, legal research, and oral advocacy, reflecting Uganda’s rising profile within the global Jessup Moot community.
Individual excellence stood out prominently. Mr. Abraham Baraka Wanyanga (UCU) was awarded Best Overall Oralist for his outstanding clarity, structure, and persuasive legal reasoning. Mr. Julius Ainomugisha of Makerere University earned the Second Best Oralist award, while Ms. Philomena Acom, also from Makerere, was recognised as Third Best Oralist, highlighting the depth of advocacy talent across institutions.
As national champions, the Makerere University team will now represent Uganda at the Global Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., USA, later in March, joining top law schools from across the world.
kiu: a strategic hub for moot court excellence in uganda
Kampala International University continues to position itself as a strategic pillar in Uganda’s moot court ecosystem, supported by a state-of-the-art Moot Court facility and a dynamic, practice-oriented mooting programme. The facility is designed to replicate real judicial settings, enabling students to develop professional competence in litigation strategy, legal drafting, and oral advocacy.
Rooted in Clinical Legal Education, KIU’s mooting framework blends rigorous academic preparation with experiential learning. The university’s flagship Annual Inter-Firm Moot Court Competition has become a premier internal advocacy platform, with teams such as Kanyeihamba & Co-Advocates establishing a strong competitive legacy. In March 2025, the School of Law at KIU Western Campus successfully hosted its maiden moot court competition, with a focused emphasis on contract law, expanding access to practical legal training beyond the main campus.
On the national stage, KIU will further entrench its leadership role as the host institution of the 2026 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Uganda, a milestone that affirms the university’s credibility, organisational capacity, and influence in legal education.
KIU’s advocacy pedigree is further evidenced by its victory in the 2025 National Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, as well as consistent participation in regional and international rounds, including the Manfred Lachs competitions in South Africa, providing students with invaluable global exposure.
recognised excellence in rankings and impact
KIU’s contributions to legal training are reinforced by its broader institutional standing. According to the January 2026 Webometrics Rankings, Kampala International University is ranked the 2nd best university in Uganda and the leading private university nationally. Regionally, KIU secured 5th position in East Africa, placing it among the region’s most influential higher education institutions.
These rankings highlight KIU’s sustained strength in academic performance, digital visibility, and institutional innovation, aligning seamlessly with its mission to produce globally competitive legal professionals.
As the Jessup Moot continues to shape future international lawyers worldwide, KIU remains firmly at the centre of Uganda’s legal advocacy journey—hosting, training, competing, and setting standards that resonate far beyond the courtroom.
