By Dalton Mujuni
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has emerged winner of the 2020 National Inter-University International Humanitarian Law Moot Competition; kicking out Makerere University, Islamic University in Uganda and Cavendish University.
The competition took place at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on 13th and 14th October, and UCU’s team comprised of; Ruth Nanjobe, Josephine Luzige, Joel Chemonges and Denise Karungi.
UCU defeated Makerere University in the finals, which was judged by a distinguished panel of experts, headed by Justice Elizabeth Nahamya who has a distinguished career in International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law practice.
Each of the participants received 300,000 Uganda Shillings from the International Committee of the Red Cross, who were also the organizers of the event. UCU’s Josephine Luzige won the Individual Excellence Award and a cash prize.
Paul Kalondo, the team coach and a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, said it took a lot of hard work and dedication for the team to prepare and perfect their arguments.
“The win reaffirms UCU’s place as a ‘Centre of Excellence in the Heart of Africa’, and a leader in the field of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Scholarship,” Kalondo said.
Josephine thanked her two coaches; Kalondo and Judy Kyalimpa for guidance and added that this victory proves that UCU Faculty of Law cherishes quality and that is why its students compete in national and global events.
Last year, UCU was the overall winner of the same contest and Makerere University took the second position. Kyoma Philip from UCU emerged the best oralist, while Ruth Nanjobe was recognised for being an outstanding mooter.