Makerere University School of Law is celebrating a historic milestone after announcing that one of its lecturers, Robert Kirunda, has been appointed as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the world’s oldest arbitral tribunal.
Kirunda becomes only the second Ugandan to join the prestigious body, a development the university hailed as both a personal triumph and a reflection of Uganda’s growing influence in international law.
“His appointment underscores Uganda’s contribution to the global legal order,” the School of Law said in a statement, describing the recognition as a landmark achievement.
With his new role, Kirunda will sit among a distinguished group of international legal experts tasked with resolving some of the world’s most complex disputes, from conflicts between states to high-stakes cases involving multinational corporations and global organisations.
Founded in 1899 and based in The Hague, the PCA remains a cornerstone of international dispute resolution, offering arbitration on matters such as maritime boundaries, investment disputes, environmental law, and human rights. It operates alongside institutions like the International Court of Justice in upholding global justice.
For Uganda, Kirunda’s appointment is more than symbolic. It signals the country’s expanding footprint in the world of international law, while elevating his own profile as a legal scholar and practitioner.
“This recognition is proof that Ugandans can play a role at the highest levels of global justice,” a colleague from Makerere noted after the announcement.
