With regard to excellence on continental realms, Makerere School of Law might soon overtake the of College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT famed for being the home of innovations including the priceless gem in KiiraEV; the electrically powered vehicle.) The Makerere school of law mooting society is on an astronomical winning streak. Weeks after a two man team won a continental moot court title in South Africa on Disability Rights, an entirely different three man team from Makerere has yet again soared high enough to scoop another continental crown; the 15th edition of All Africa International Humanitarian Moot court competition held in Arusha,Tanzania.
The Kampala based university brushed past a university from the land of the Igwes, Oyu University; Nigeria, in what was a tense, nail biting, toe curling, brow furrowing grand finale.
The MUK team was represented by the rather brilliant Tendo Anne LLBIV, the adorable Kobusinge Racheal LLBIV and the fiercely eloquent Simon Ssenyonga LLBIII. Ten African countries presented their winners in this year’s moot. Makerere emerged 3rd best from the preliminary rounds to qualify for semi finals to set up a steamy engagement with the Catholic University of Kenya, which Makerere gladly sailed by. The clash of the titans was between Makerere and Uyo university from Nigeria.
The finals held on 21st November from 2-4pm at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda(sitting as a hypothetical court) constituted of a panel of 7 distinguished judges; The President of the tribunal himself from France, Faustina Thozilyo(EA, Court of Justice) Solome Bbosa, Fatima Masinge(Tanzania high court), Samuse Akorimo, Wamwara Joseph, Ellen Polenski (Switzerland). The judges unanimously agreed Makerere was the better team.
“We sailed to victory despite being at a technical disadvantage, with regard to the rather Herculean task of being the defense team; challenging and questioning the jurisdiction of special tribunals of UN, grave breaches of International Humanitarian Law, Geneva conventions, Public international law and human rights.” Remarked an ecstatic Simon Ssenyonga to this reporter.
“After fifteen long years of aiming at glory, punctuated by routine heartbreaks including losing at the semi finals once, we are proud to have broken the jinx…we thank God for the victory.” added the vibrant Simon. He added that such exposure was necessary to foster his guild presidency dreams. He seemed over the moon with his boundless enthusiasm.
Other participating universities included Rhodes University from South Africa, Midlands from Zimbabwe, Uyo University from Nigeria, Moi from Kenya, Dar es Salaam for Tanzania, Ruaha university among others.
The team in addition to a money prize was hosted to a sumptuous dinner and awarded with a trophy and individual merit trophies. The team’s next task will be a global challenge at either Geneva or the Hague according to Opiyo Bill, a leader within the ranks of the Makerere Mooting society. Congratulations to the team!
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