By Howard Mwesigwa
The Makerere Law Society, commonly referred to as the ‘MLS’ is celebrating 50 years of existence this year and these celebrations are slated for 10th August 2021.
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.
The celebrations are steered under the theme, “Diversifying Professional Knowledge & Career Opportunities for Law Students through a robust Alumni Network”. Among the litany of activities lined up as part of the celebrations is a public lecture slated for 10th August 2021 where a key note address dabbed ‘ The role of Students in a Contemporary Democracy’ will be given by one of the ‘best legal brains in Africa’ in consonance with the cherished values and responsibilities of the Makerere Law Society.
We have it on good record that the MLS intends to invite Prof. PLO Lumumba to give this key note address. In an exclusive interview with the current president of the Makerere Law Society, H.E Grace Waiswa Nsaawa, we were informed that on the D day, the main speakers in addition to the key note address will be Justice Geoffrey Kirwabwire, the MLS Patron and Mrs. Pheona Nabasa Wall, the Uganda Law Society President.
The celebrations will also encapsulate a career guidance session, a three-day legal expo and a moot court competition. The MLS President further informed us that there will be an MLS Community outreach as a ‘give back’ gesture and that it will be held in conjunction with a number of legal service provides like the Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC), The Network of Public Interest Lawyers (NETPIL) among others.
Furthermore, that due the exigencies of the times, the celebrations will largely be virtual.We’ll be relaying these developments to you as and when they unfold…