Islamic University In Uganda (IUIU), Kampala Branch, has organised an orientation day for its law school freshmen.
The event which took place last week Friday saw newly-enrolled law students from various universities and IUIU campuses converging at the Kibuli-based institution for career guidance tips from some of the most distinguished law scholars and advocates in the country.
Keeping in line with the day’s theme “Life at and After Law School”, the half day event was in many respects a success. From candid to motivational speakers, alongside free-flowing drinks, it was time well spent for many of the fresh entrants into the legal world.
Starting off the day’s speech agenda was Mr. Nkubi James, a law Don at Nkumba as well as IUIU universities.
Mr. Nkubi punctuated his speech about life at campus with both sage advice and humour in equal measure, keeping the students listening attentively at one moment while sending them into bouts of laughter at the next one.
He challenged the students to study for the right reasons saying, for example, that many of them would claim they are studying law to help the nation but instead a few years down the road turn into corrupt court clerks who cant handle a case unless money is on the table.
Mr. Nkubi also advised the students to make the right friends, as these will greatly determine where they finally end up in life. Medicrioty, he warned, is something law students should steer clear of, as it is the mother of all average achievements in life.
He advised continuing students who may be having academic injuries to take a step back and reflect on what they need to do differently to better their grades.
Next on the agenda was Counsel Ssenkuumba Ahmed, a lecturer at the same umiversity who rallied on the law students to believe in themselves. “If others have made it, why not you?” He asked rhetorically.
He reminded them to be grateful towards the parents who have invested dearly in the students’education, “for without them you would not be where you are today. Also, avoid risk-prone non academic activities while at campus.
AIDs is still a killer disease and has no cure. As for girls who get pregnant while at campus yet unmarried, you will either be expelled or forced to take a dead year.” Mr. Ssenkuumba warned sternly, arousing hushed whispers from the gathering.
Next on the microphone was the chief guest Alice Namuli Blazevic, representing the president of Uganda Law Society (ULS), Dr. Ruth Ssebatindira, who failed to attend on account of having a tight schedule.
Ms. Blazevic is the chairperson of ULS’ female chapter and a practising lawyer as well as Associate Partner at Katende Ssempebwa & Co. Advocates, one of Uganda’s top law firms.
She gave a speech on life after law school and left the students with a lot of inspirational tips to go back home with regarding how to survive after law school.
“Think outside the box. Move out of your comfort zone. The kind of jobs there are after law school are quite many. You do not have to be a court-room-going lawyer, you can be a qualified lawyer and still make money from other fields. There is more to life than law, don’t limit yourself.
While at LDC: network a lot, look out for mentors and get many contacts as well. The results you get in life end up being connected to the contacts you have. When you have a chance, volunteer at law firms, NGOs and the like. Don’t look so much at getting money but the skills you learn. Money will come later.
Avoid being average. Being average means you’ve made a decision to be mediocre for ever. If u were an average grader at law school, chances are high you will get an average degree, you will become an average lawyer, you will lead an average life, and suffer an average death. You will die and people will say passively, “oh, he died.” and then move on.
When it comes to your dress code, you must know that around 90% of the influence you have on people is determined by how you appear.
Most importantly, have intergrity. Have integrity. Have integrity.
During disputes, learn to strike a balance as a lawyer. No man is an island. You don’t have to rub everyone the wrong way just to get a result. Seek to understand before you are understood.”
Mrs. Blazevic also advised female students who dream of making it in the male-dominated profession to always be persistent and focused. “Try to excel at everythng you do.”
Also present at the event where representatives of Uganda Christian Lawyers’ Fraternity led by Daphine Nuwamanya who expressed happiness towards the unity that prevails despite the different religious affiliations.
The day’s MC was Soodo Brian, the speaker of IUIU Kampala Campus’ law society.
You must be logged in to post a comment.