By Nakirayi Fatuma.B

Lecturer:  Islamic University in Uganda- Kampala Campus

Kibuli Hill Road

Kampala Uganda

Uganda has promoted gender and reproductive justice through foundational constitutional guarantees, specific protective legislation, and national policy framework. Through institutions such as The Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) which promotes gender and reproductive justice in Uganda, issues such as strategic litigation, community empowerment, legal aid, and policy advocacy have been embraced by many communities including higher institutions.

Students from Higher institutions and universities in Uganda have gotten a chance to acquire knowledge in the promotion of gender and reproductive justice by actively participating in specialized, high-impact national moot court competitions that challenge students to litigate multifaceted real-world human rights predicaments conducted by CEHURD every year. These moot court competition podiums train law students in public interest litigation, preparing young lawyers with the ethical foundation and practical expertise to encounter prejudiced laws and policies in the Ugandan Judicial system.

This programme is not just about the teams championing, but it uplifts and contributes to students’ ability to face real-life experiences in the legal profession. The moot problems seem fictional, but they are real problems faced by vulnerable individuals in various societies that require legal attention. With the introduction of the competence-based education system at higher learning institutions, the skills acquired by students during research, drafting and oral training sessions are enough to contribute to the students’ career building.

As higher institutions, this grants Universities a chance to produce better lawyers who will advocate for gender and reproductive justice whilst respecting the rule of law for all. Many students participate in this competition with the aim of learning, test their legal ability and competence as well as leaving victorious after the competition while others, its more than winning but to challenge themselves if they really have what it takes to bring justice to the needy while using the available laws. Our students are enthusiastically looking forward to this year’s competition.