The International University of East Africa (IUEA)’s law faculty excelled in the National Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition, the world’s largest moot court contest. At the IUEA, we don’t just teach; we empower students to excel on global platforms. This competition, held on January 17th and 18th, brought together the best law schools in Uganda, competing for a coveted spot at the international finals in Washington, DC. How did IUEA perform in this intense legal competition? Continue reading to find out.
What is the Jessup Moot Court Competition?
The Jessup Moot Court Competition is the world’s biggest legal moot competition, bringing together over 700 law schools from more than 100 countries. It creates a fictional dispute between nations, argued before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the judicial arm of the United Nations.
Each team prepares written pleadings, called memorials, and presents oral arguments for both sides of the case: the applicant and the respondent. This year’s competition challenged participants with complex international legal scenarios.
Who represented IUEA?
Representing IUEA were five exceptional students:
- Musoke Samuel (3rd year)
- Nakabito Husina (3rd year)
- Moyo Rutendo (3rd year)
- Maria Richard Roman (4th year)
- Sekanabo Tracy (3rd year)
Their commitment, preparation, and teamwork were a testament to the excellence of the IUEA law faculty.
How did IUEA perform?
The national rounds, hosted at Cavendish University School of Law, were divided into:
- Preliminary Rounds – January 17th
- Semi-Finals and Finals – January 18th
IUEA competed against top law schools, including:
- Uganda Christian University (UCU)
- Makerere School of Law
- St. Augustine Law Society
- KIU Law School
- Nkumba Law School
- CUU Moot Society
We advanced through the preliminary rounds to secure a spot in the semi-finals, ultimately finishing third, a remarkable achievement that highlights the hard work and talent of our students.
While UCU emerged as the overall winner, earning accolades such as “Best Memorial” and “Best Oralist,” IUEA’s performance demonstrated the high standards of the IUEA law faculty and the potential of our students to excel on global stages.
What are moots and why do they matter?
A Moot Court, also simply known as a Moot, is a session where students imitate a courtroom proceeding. They are designed to help students apply the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to a realistic scenario. Moots are an integral part of legal education. Unlike mock trials, which involve juries, moot courts are before a panel of judges. They provide students with opportunities to:
- Apply legal theories to real-world scenarios.
- Develop legal writing and oral advocacy skills.
- Interpret and analyse complex cases.
- Build confidence and teamwork.
Employers highly value students with moot court experience, making competitions like Jessup a crucial stepping stone for aspiring lawyers.
At IUEA, moots are embedded in our curriculum. Our students regularly participate in practical sessions, dressing in gowns and suits to replicate courtroom proceedings. This hands-on approach equips them with skills essential for success in the legal field.
How do moot court competitions benefit IUEA students?
Participating in national and international moot competitions offers unique advantages:
- Experience: Students gain real-world exposure by competing against peers from other institutions.
- Networking: They interact with legal professionals, judges, and industry representatives.
- Skill Development: Competitions challenge them with diverse legal cases and scenarios.
- Recognition: Success in such events boosts confidence and enhances career prospects.
Why Study Law at IUEA?
Choosing the right law school is the first step toward a successful legal career. At IUEA, we pride ourselves on offering:
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Our courses are designed to meet the demands of the modern legal landscape, with opportunities to specialise in various fields.
- Advanced Facilities: From a well-stocked law library to moot courtrooms, our resources ensure an immersive learning experience.
- Practical Focus: Regular moot sessions, legal expos, and competitions help students apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Our mission is to provide an excellent educational experience with practical skills, ensuring our graduates are not only knowledgeable but also industry-ready. Our practical approach to learning has resulted in many groundbreaking legal innovations certifying IUEA as the ideal place to start for anyone looking to shape the industry.
The Jessup Moot Court Competition 2025 showcased the talent, dedication, and excellence of IUEA’s law faculty and students. Finishing third in the national rounds is a testament to our commitment to nurturing future legal leaders.
At IUEA, we don’t just prepare students for exams; we prepare them for life. Whether it’s through rigorous academic programs, hands-on training, or opportunities to compete on global platforms, we ensure our students are equipped to succeed.
If you’re passionate about the law and looking for a university that offers more than just education, join IUEA, the home of champions. Together, we’ll turn your aspirations into achievements.
