By Mirembe Lindah Namulema 

For 13 years, CEHURD has convened the Annual National Inter-University Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition, bringing together law students from across the country to argue cases involving constitutionally guaranteed rights and examine how these rights are protected, upheld or violated by the State. Each year, the moot presents a different dilemma, often reflecting the realities faced by women and girls, including circumstances that, in the most tragic cases, claim their lives. 

Watching the 13th edition of the Moot Court Competition as a former participant in the 12th edition was exciting, enlightening and, at the same time, a relief. It was comforting to sit on the other side without experiencing the pressure, sleepless nights, endless research and anxiety that came with being a mooter. The advocacy, confidence, and legal reasoning on display showed that the culture of mooting continues to grow. 

However, the competition also exposed a familiar challenge, many students appeared to view the moot primarily as an opportunity to win rather than as a learning experience. 

For some students, failing to advance to the next round affected their morale and interest in the competition, diminishing its learning value and purpose. Personally, when I was a mooter, I was largely focused on the competition itself: getting the authorities right, defending our arguments, responding to questions from the bench and, ultimately, trying to win. I did not always take time to reflect on the human realities behind the facts beyond what was necessary to build our case. 

After undertaking my internship at CEHURD, I now understand that the facts presented in moot problems are not merely hypothetical situations created to test legal reasoning. They often mirror the lived realities of women, girls and other vulnerable people whose rights have been violated. Behind what appears to be a fictional problem may lie a very real injustice. 

Every year, students have the opportunity to argue before experienced judicial officers from Uganda’s Courts of Judicature. This exposure helps them sharpen their legal research, develop written and oral advocacy skills, think on their feet and defend a position under pressure. It also challenges them to work as a team, manage time, engage critically with legal authorities and, perhaps most importantly, find their voices as young advocates. 

That is part of what makes the CEHURD Moot so important. It does not simply develop better mooters, it has the potential to shape young lawyers who understand that constitutional law is ultimately about people and the protection of their rights. Moreover, the moot gives students from different universities an opportunity to meet, network and learn from one another. 

The 13th Annual National Inter-University Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition was undoubtedly a success. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to CEHURD for continuing to create this space and invest in the next generation of lawyers. Having experienced the moot first as a participant and later as an observer, I have come to appreciate that its lessons extend far beyond the competition itself and remain with participants long after it ends. 

The writer is an Intern at the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) and was named Best Oralist at CEHURD’s 12th Annual National Inter-University Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition held in 2025.