Uganda Christian University (UCU) has once again cemented its position as a powerhouse of legal education in East Africa, emerging as the Overall Winner of the Inaugural National Inter-University Access to Justice, Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Moot Court Competition 2026
Held under the theme “Advancing Equality, Dignity and Inclusion through Law and Justice,” the landmark competition brought together over 12 accredited law faculties from across Uganda to debate, draft, and litigate complex issues surrounding non-discrimination, human rights, and equitable access to justice.
A Stellar Victory at the Supreme Court of Uganda
The two-day national event commenced with high-stakes preliminary rounds on September 23, 2026, culminating in a dramatic grand finale on September 24, 2026, hosted inside the grand courtrooms of the Supreme Court of Uganda.
The final proceedings were presided over by a distinguished bench of Supreme Court Justices: Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza, Justice Mike Chibita, Justice Christopher Madrama Izama
Meet the Champions: Precision, Research, and Advocacy
UCU’s legal team delivered a flawless performance across both written submission and oral advocacy, securing top honors in every major category:
- Oralists: Nali Shakirah and Rebecca Wambaka led the courtroom arguments with exceptional poise and precision. Rebecca Wambaka was officially crowned the Best Oralist of the competition.
- Research & Drafting Team: Tracy Linette Nabandi and Brinon Kaye spearheaded the legal research, authoring the briefs that earned UCU the coveted Best Memorials Award.
Participating institutions included premier legal faculties such as Makerere University, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Cavendish University, and International Metropolitan University.
Student Impact: Moving Beyond Textbooks into Transformative Advocacy
Beyond the trophy, the competition served as a transformative platform for student advocates to bridge classroom theory with real-world constitutional litigation.
Speaking during national media coverage at the event, Alicia, a third-year UCU Law student and participant, reflected on how the moot court deepened her understanding of systemic discrimination
Collaborative Institutional Support for Equal Opportunities
Organized in partnership with key rule-of-law institutions—including the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC Uganda), The Judiciary of Uganda, and the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda—the competition offered law students unprecedented exposure to senior jurists and human rights experts.
By challenging students to analyze how institutional frameworks impact vulnerable populations, the competition reinforced UCU School of Law’s commitment to nurturing ethical, highly skilled legal practitioners who drive positive societal reform.
