Kampala, Uganda – The Law Students Association of East Africa has filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General of Uganda, the Secretary General of the East African Community, and the Uganda Law Council in the East Africa Court of Justice. The lawsuit stems from the respondents’ refusal to make East African Community (EAC) Law compulsory in all Ugandan law schools.
According to the President of the Law Students Association of East Africa, Mwanje Gideon, the association had been engaging with the Attorney General and Uganda Law Council to incorporate EAC Law into the curricula of Ugandan law schools, but their efforts were met with silence.
Photo credit: Joshua Baleete.
“We have written letters to both entities, highlighting the urgent need to incorporate EAC Law into the curricula, but we’ve been met with complete silence,” said the President. “This lack of response has forced us to take a stand and approach the courts, seeking a legal remedy to compel the respondents to take action.”
The Law Students Association of East Africa believes that the incorporation of EAC Law is essential for the development of a purposeful and relevant legal education system in Uganda purposeful widening the job market, Cross-boarder practice and intergration in regard. They argue that the respondents’ inaction has hindered progress in realizing cross-border integration.
With the 19 accredited law schools in Uganda not morethan two have this courseunit compulsory.
Through this legal action, the association aims to hold the Attorney General and the Law Council accountable for their failure to address this critical issue. The lawsuit seeks to ensure that the legal education system in Uganda is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly integrating East African Community.
The case is expected to shed light on the importance of EAC Law in Ugandan law schools and the role of the respondents in promoting regional integration.
