By Yasiri J. Kasango
A total of 320 graduates from Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) School of Law have been denied admission to the Law Development Centre (LDC) for the upcoming intake. This exclusion poses a significant setback for these aspiring lawyers, as one cannot become a court advocate in Uganda without passing the LDC bar course.
Patriaca Kansiime, is one of the UCU students who has missed out on admission. She says the delay not only impacts her academic trajectory but also affects her family’s financial situation.
“Missing out on LDC means losing valuable time and altering my plans. My parents sold land to finance my education at LDC, but now they must redirect those funds. This financial strain, coupled with the challenges of finding employment with a lower degree, makes the situation even more difficult,” Kansiime says.
Mr Frank Obonyo, the Public Relations Officer at LDC, said that the institution received over 4,000 applications for the limited 1,500 available slots. “LDC can only admit 1,500 students per intake, yet we received applications from 14 universities accredited to teach law in Uganda,” Obonyo stated. This overwhelming number of applications necessitated a strict selection process, leaving many qualified students without admission.
In an effort to ensure fairness, LDC decided to distribute the available slots equally among the 14 universities. “We resolved to apportion each university at least 28% of the slots,” Obonyo explained. This meant that universities like UCU could not secure spots for all their graduates, with performance or Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) being the primary criterion for selection.
Despite the disappointment, there is a glimmer of hope for those who missed out. Obonyo revealed that discussions are ongoing with the government to address the situation.
“Going forward, there are discussions taking place at higher levels in government to ensure that those who were left out are admitted,” he noted.
Among the proposals presented to the Attorney General is the introduction of a second intake in January 2025 and the possibility of opening additional LDC campuses. However, these plans are contingent on securing the necessary funding from the government.
Dr. Peter Mutesasira, the UCU Dean, School of Law, has highlighted the significant challenges facing the LDC due to a substantial backlog of admissions. According to him, the LDC has taken on a backlog of 596 students, many of whom are from UCU. This, combined with the admissions of new students, has created a considerable strain on the LDC’s resources.
Dr. Mutesasira however acknowledged the complex issues surrounding the admission process. He pointed out that much of the responsibility for managing these challenges falls on LDC.
For those who have made it, there is relief. Elly Aseph, one of the UCU graduates who secured admission, expressed his relief and excitement at the opportunity to pursue the bar course. “I am thrilled to have made it, but I sympathise with my colleagues who were not as fortunate. I hope the government can find a way to accommodate everyone,” Aseph remarked.
The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the capacity of Uganda’s legal education system to meet the growing demand for legal professionals. With only one LDC serving the entire country, the strain on resources and infrastructure is becoming increasingly apparent.
