Registrar, Supreme Court Engages LDC Bar Course Clerkship Students as They Near End of Supreme Court Placement
The Registrar, Supreme Court, HW Ayebare Tumwebaze, has urged Law Development Centre (LDC) Bar Course students on clerkship at the Supreme Court to broaden their understanding of appellate practice, embrace mediation and actively position themselves for opportunities as they begin their careers.
HW Tumwebaze made the call during an engagement with the students, together with HW Alex Mushabe Karocho, Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Justice, in Court Hall 1 at the Supreme Court in Kampala.
The students, drawn from the LDC campuses in Mbarara, Lira and Mbale, have been undertaking their clerkship at the Supreme Court from 3 August to 8 October 2026. The meeting provided an opportunity for them to reflect on their experience, share their career aspirations and receive guidance on professional development, appellate practice, mediation and mentorship.
HW Tumwebaze encouraged the students to develop a broader understanding of litigation and appellate practice beyond the specific work they encountered during their placement. He emphasised the importance of knowing how to properly frame grounds of appeal, identifying matters that are appealable and understanding the appropriate avenues for appeals arising from different tribunals.
He noted that such knowledge is important in enabling lawyers to properly advise clients and avoid mishandling matters.
Beyond technical legal knowledge, HW Tumwebaze urged the students to actively seek opportunities and position themselves to compete in the legal profession. He noted that professional growth involves more than academic qualifications, with communication, conduct, personal presentation and the ability to offer value also contributing to career development.
He encouraged them to seek mentors, knowledge and opportunities while remaining open to different career paths and experiences. He also urged them to set priorities, have faith and approach the profession with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
On mediation, HW Tumwebaze encouraged the students to embrace it as part of legal practice, highlighting its contribution to the work of the Supreme Court and the Judiciary. He challenged the misconception that lawyers cannot earn through mediation, noting that it offers an opportunity to earn while facilitating the timely resolution of disputes instead of waiting years for litigation to conclude.
HW Tumwebaze thanked the students for their contribution during the clerkship and appreciated HW Mushabe for his continued support and engagement with them, particularly during his absence on leave, when HW Mushabe took on the responsibility of guiding and supporting them.
Speaking during the meeting, HW Mushabe said he had enjoyed working with the students and interacting with them during their weekly Friday assessments, where he provided feedback on their individual strengths and areas for improvement.
He noted that their research work and practical exposure had demonstrated their growth and, drawing from his own experience of joining the Judiciary, encouraged them to have a clear vision and mission, prepare thoroughly and remain confident in themselves.
The students thanked the Supreme Court and the Judiciary for the opportunity to undertake their clerkship, describing the experience as valuable in broadening their understanding of legal practice and strengthening their practical skills.
They particularly highlighted their exposure to appellate mediation proceedings, noting that observing Justices conduct mediation sessions, with the support of HW Mushabe, gave them practical insight into mediation and dispute resolution.
They also appreciated HW Mushabe’s regular interaction with them, guidance during the weekly assessments and willingness to share his knowledge and experience throughout their placement.
The students further said attending court proceedings and observing the delivery of judgments helped them gain a better understanding of how the Supreme Court handles and determines matters. They also attended an enrolment event and the 9th Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture, which they described as inspiring and an opportunity to learn more about Benedicto Kiwanuka’s legacy and the legal profession.
As they prepare to complete their clerkship and proceed with the LDC Bar Course, the students shared their respective career aspirations and areas of law they intend to pursue, reflecting on how their experience at the Supreme Court had helped shape their professional outlook and career paths.
Posted 6th, October 2026
