Makerere University (School of Law)

Makerere University School of Law, founded in 1968, is Uganda’s pioneering center for legal education, recognized for its longstanding influence on national legal development. Located on the main campus in Kampala, it offers rigorous training aimed at meeting the professional and societal needs of Uganda and the wider East African region. The school is known for blending academic excellence with impactful research and practical engagement.

With a selective admissions model and strong institutional reputation, the school consistently produces leading practitioners, scholars, and policymakers. Its growth is reinforced by recent investments, including a modern building that enhances teaching, collaboration, and innovation in legal education.

The School of Law’s alumni network spans senior judges, accomplished advocates, and public-sector leaders who have shaped legal and policy reforms across Uganda. Graduates find opportunities in judiciary service, corporate law, government agencies, and regional organizations, supported by the school’s longstanding reputation for producing capable and ethical professionals.

Students benefit from strong connections with legal practitioners and institutions, enabling access to internships, clerkships, and mentorship. The Makerere Law Society also cultivates professional development through events and collaborative programs, reinforcing a culture of excellence and facilitating smooth transitions into the broader legal community.

Students are drawn to the School of Law for its academic prestige and commitment to producing leaders equipped to influence legal systems in Uganda and beyond. Its competitive admissions process ensures an intellectually stimulating cohort, while modern facilities and innovative teaching approaches reinforce a superior learning experience supported by dedicated faculty.

With strong ties to government, legal institutions, and industry, the school offers a pathway to meaningful careers and public impact. Its reputation, combined with its practical orientation and research capacity, positions it as the ideal choice for ambitious students seeking a transformative legal education.

The School of Law advances legal development through research initiatives addressing emerging areas such as human rights, regional integration, and regulatory reforms. Advanced programs cultivate scholarship that informs policy and contributes to national and regional debates. Clinical training further strengthens innovation by connecting theoretical knowledge to real-world advocacy.

Infrastructure development, including sustainable, technology-enabled learning spaces, supports long-term educational transformation. Continuous investment in digital tools and experiential learning fosters creative approaches to modern legal challenges, ensuring graduates are prepared for evolving legal landscapes, including intersections with technology, governance, and global policy trends.

How competitive is admission? Admission is highly selective, with only a fraction of applicants securing a place. The process emphasizes academic excellence, ensuring cohorts reflect strong analytical capability and discipline.

What practical training is offered? Students benefit from moot court activities, clinical programs, and coursework designed to build confidence in litigation and legal reasoning.

What career support is available? The school’s partnerships, alumni network, and mentorship platforms help guide students toward professional opportunities in diverse legal fields.

These structured supports ensure students receive both theoretical grounding and practical pathways to future success.

Undergraduate applicants apply through the national admissions portal, with selection based on strong secondary-school performance and compliance with university guidelines. Graduate applicants submit materials directly to the school, including academic transcripts and, for research degrees, proposal documents. Timelines follow Makerere University’s annual academic calendar.

Students can access on-campus accommodation, health services, and essential facilities upon enrollment. International applicants must obtain visas through the national immigration system. Tuition varies by residency status and program level, with financial support available through scholarships, sponsorships, and merit-based awards where applicable.