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About us

In 1998, a year after Uganda Christian University received its charter—the first of its kind—the School of Law began operations, becoming the first private law school and the second (after Makerere) to offer an undergraduate law degree (LL.B) in Uganda.

Since then, the School has been successful in its art, recording tremendous achievements in moots and research. Research is a compulsory course unit, requiring students to engage in various fields and produce academic papers.

With about 1,500 students across Kampala and the main campus, UCU’s School of Law produces the second-highest number of students admitted to the Law Development Centre (LDC) and has the second-largest number of authorized legal practitioners in Uganda.

The School has taken a leading role in legal education innovation. In 2009, it was the first in Uganda to introduce oral interviews and supplemental written assessments for LL.B admissions. That same year, it pioneered clinical legal education, involving students in community outreach.

It is also the first LL.B programme in Uganda to offer undergraduate classes in legal ethics, alternative dispute resolution, and information and communication technology law. The implementation of a revised curriculum by lecturers Dr. Anthony Kakooza and Brian Dennison reflects this commitment.

UCU graduates, including those from the law school, are known for ethical conduct and moral integrity. The law degree is highly competitive, with over 1,000 applicants annually for the pre-entry exam.

From just 25 students in 1998, the School now has over 900 enrolled and continues to grow rapidly. It is now one of Uganda’s leading law schools. Formerly called the School of Law since 1997, it formally adopted the title “School of Law” in 2022, reflecting its identity within UCU.

The School’s success and reputation are built on the dedication of its lecturers, students, and alumni

OUR OBJECTIVES AS THE SCHOOL ARE TO:

  • Develop and improve university-based teaching in law and related subjects, and undertake legal research of interest to the School and UCU.

  • Engage in and undertake scholarly publications, especially in the Law Review and Law Journal, and encourage staff and students to publish.

  • Plan sabbaticals and similar schemes to develop staff and exchange ideas with other law faculties, schools, and affiliated institutions.

  • Develop university teaching materials for use by the School and other university bodies.

  • Improve and strengthen collaboration with regional law faculties, academic and research institutions, and other organizations.

  • Establish and nurture a research centre focused on UCU’s core concerns, including human rights, rule of law, and democracy—key for good governance.

  • Harmonise, as much as possible, the School of Law curriculum with universities in the region.

THE WAY FORWARD

The School of Law is looking to the future. With maturity will come new programmes and a broader research footprint. Guided by its mission approach, the School’s positive impact on Ugandans will continue.

In January 2015, the School launched its Master of Law (LL.M) programme. In March 2015, under the leadership of Lecturer Peter Mutesasira, it introduced an LL.M in Oil and Gas Law. As members pursue further qualifications, the School’s research output is set to grow. Recent doctoral graduates like Anthony Kakooza, Brian Kalenge, and Asa Mugenyi bring strong research and writing passion. Others—Brian Dennison, Peter Mutesasira, Moses Mulumba, and Godard Busingye—have also earned doctorates, while some, like Arnold Agaba, are currently pursuing theirs.

The School’s religious and moral compass continues to shape its role in public service, notably through its Clinical Legal Education Programme. Taking God’s “heart for justice” seriously, the School seeks to expand access to justice and accountability. It remains confident that funding will support such initiatives in the future.