KAMPALA, UGANDA — Uganda’s Supreme Court on Friday made history, hosting the final of the 4th Firdaous Initiative for Academic Excellence (FIAE) International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition. It was the first time the nation’s highest court had served as a venue for such an event.
Two top Kenyan teams, Moi University and African Nazarene University, argued a simulated case before the proposed African Court of Justice and Human Rights. The competition required students to navigate complex issues of International Humanitarian Law and demonstrate their advocacy skills before a panel of distinguished judges.
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Justice Mike Chibita of the Supreme Court, who presided over the final, underscored the importance of moot court for legal training. “Moot court is an essential tool for legal training. It puts you on your feet and prepares you for the realities of legal practice,” said Justice Chibita, also a patron of Cavendish University, which partnered with FIAE for the event. He advised participants to develop resilience and composure under pressure, critical for effective courtroom advocacy.
Aziz Abdulkareem, Director of FIAE, commended the high caliber of legal arguments presented. He reiterated FIAE’s commitment to advancing academic and practical legal education across Africa. “We’re proud to offer platforms like this that help shape the next generation of legal thinkers and practitioners,” Abdulkareem said, also expressing gratitude to Justice Chibita for his leadership.
Godfrey Ayeranga, a law lecturer representing the Dean of Cavendish University, called the event a significant moment for legal education in Uganda. He thanked the Judiciary for allowing young advocates to use its facilities and acknowledged Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court, Elizabeth Akullo, for her coordination. “We don’t take this moment for granted, we count it as a blessing,” Ayeranga stated.
The judging panel evaluated presentations based on legal analysis, depth of knowledge, clarity, and persuasiveness. The panel included Justice Chibita, FIAE Assistant Director of Programs Swaleh H. Wengo, Jane Bako Patricia from the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Tracy Nabbaale of the Women’s ProBono Initiative.
Moi University was declared the overall winner, receiving an award for excellence in legal advocacy. FIAE officials, legal academics, and students from participating universities attended the event, which aimed to bridge legal education with practical courtroom experience.
