The year was 1971.On the 27th July 2021, the Makerere Law Society (MLS) launched its Golden Jubilee Celebrations online. These celebrations, under the theme, “Diversifying Professional Knowledge & Career Opportunities for Law Students through a robust Alumni Network” were slated for 10th August 2021. The long-awaited day is finally here!
It ought to be recalled that in 1971, the Makerere Law Society was established as a Students’ Union at the then Makerere University Faculty of Law. It is believed that the founders of the MLS, in establishing this students’ union were inspired by the deep desire to inculcate the traditions of the legal profession and to foster social interaction at all levels among law students so as to produce holistic lawyers with an aim of creating a responsible society.
Over the past half a century since its inception in 1971 as the representative body for budding lawyers at the Ivory Tower, the Makerere Law Society has reached a myriad of milestones and profound achievements in line with the touchstone principles of its establishment and it is these achievements that have laid the bedrock for the golden anniversary celebrations.
Today, the celebrations are being held online and the event is live on YouTube. The event commenced this morning with welcome remarks from the MLS Speaker, Mr. Benson Mayanja, who then invited the MLS President, Mr. Grace Waiswa Nsaawa to make his remarks. His remarks were then followed by a speech by the Makerere Guild President, Mr. Ivan Ssempijja, who represented the entire 86th Students’ Guild Leadership at the event.
The Guild President’s remarks were followed by congratulatory remarks from the Acting Principal of the School of Law, Prof Christopher Mbazira. The Acting Principal’s remarks were then followed by remarks from the MLS Patron, Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire of the Court of Appeal/ Constitutional Court of Uganda. In his speech, his Lordship enumerated the much celebrated history of the Ugandan legal profession in general, and that of the School of Law in particular. His remarks were followed by a speech from the Uganda Law Society (ULS) President, Mrs. Pheona Nabasa Wall. In her remarks, her Excellency thanked the MLS for its continued co-operation with the ULS and advised the new MLS leadership to keep the culture up.
The key note address was delivered by Prof. PLO Lumumba, who congratulated the MLS on reaching its golden jubilee and additionally enjoined the budding lawyers to be revolutionaries and participate actively in societal change. The good-old professor further implored the MLS Students to be devoted Pan-Africans and in alluding to the wisdom of the great philosopher Socrates, he exhorted them to always keep in mind that greatness is born out of humility. Ultimately, Prof. Lumumba wished the MLS euphoric golden jubilee celebrations.
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