Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija has urged law schools in Uganda to strengthen practical legal training, with emphasis on alternative dispute resolution, digital court processes and professional ethics, to improve justice delivery and reinforce democratic institutions.
Zeija made the call in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Entebbe Resident Judge, Lady Justice Flavia Nabakooza Kalungi, during the 21st Nkumba University Law Day held on October 15, 2026, under the theme, “Legal Education as a Catalyst for Strengthening Justice and Democratic Institutions in Uganda.”
The Chief Justice said legal education must go beyond preparing students for employment to equipping them with the skills and values needed to safeguard the courts, democracy and constitutional order.
He urged law schools to embrace training that prepares graduates to resolve disputes, restore relationships and support rehabilitation, alongside conventional courtroom advocacy.
The address identified mediation, conciliation, arbitration and plea bargaining as essential skills for modern legal practice, calling for greater integration of practical learning into legal education.
Justice Nabakooza illustrated the value of experiential learning by recounting a sensitisation visit she led to Kigo Prison, including its women’s facilities, on August 28, 2026. The team comprised Entebbe High Court staff, advocates handling State Briefs and other criminal justice stakeholders.
Nkumba University law lecturer Counsel Peruth Nshemerirwe accompanied students on the visit, where they observed justice-sector practitioners educating inmates about plea bargaining and rehabilitation.
Justice Nabakooza encouraged law students to attend court sessions regularly to familiarise themselves with courtroom etiquette, observe advocacy and understand how legal principles are applied in practice.
She also highlighted the establishment of the Entebbe High Court Circuit as part of the Judiciary’s efforts to bring justice services closer to citizens and reduce the financial and logistical burdens associated with accessing courts.
She noted that expanding court services must be matched by a steady supply of competent and principled legal professionals, including judicial officers, state attorneys and defence lawyers.
Students were encouraged to take advantage of learning opportunities at courts in their home communities, as well as the nearby Entebbe and Kajjansi Chief Magistrates’ Courts.
Justice Nabakooza also expressed willingness to support university moot court competitions through the participation of judicial officers, provided the Judiciary received requests in advance.
On digital transformation, Zeija urged law schools to prepare students to use the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), which facilitates electronic filing, payment of court fees, case allocation and tracking of judgments.
He recommended that Nkumba University’s School of Law engage Judiciary information and communications technology experts to train students, particularly those in their final year, to use the system before proceeding to the Law Development Centre or entering legal practice.
The Chief Justice also emphasised professional integrity, describing it as a foundation for strong justice institutions.
Drawing on Nkumba University’s motto, “I Owe You,” he challenged students to embrace service, accountability and loyalty to the Constitution, warning that academic qualifications alone were insufficient without sound character.
“Your degree will get you into the courtroom, but your character will keep you there,” he said.
Zeija reiterated the Judiciary’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, urging students to cultivate honesty and professional responsibility while still at university rather than waiting until they entered legal practice.
He commended Nkumba University’s leadership and faculty for supporting legal education and community outreach, calling for sustained collaboration between law schools, the Bench and the Bar.
He said such partnerships would be critical to producing legal professionals equipped to respond to emerging challenges and advance access to justice in Uganda.