Chief Justice Zeija: Law Schools Must Prioritize Practical, Digital Skills

Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has urged Ugandan law schools to overhaul their curricula to better prepare future legal professionals. Speaking at Nkumba University’s 21st Law Day, Zeija emphasized the need to move beyond traditional courtroom advocacy and incorporate practical skills essential for modern legal practice.

Key among these skills are methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and plea bargaining. The Chief Justice stressed that these approaches are vital for resolving disputes efficiently, fostering reconciliation, and supporting rehabilitation, thereby improving overall justice delivery.

Furthermore, Zeija highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy in the legal field. He specifically called for law schools to train students in using the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), which is integral to the Judiciary’s modernization efforts. Familiarity with ECCMIS, enabling electronic filing, payments, and case tracking, is crucial for graduates entering practice.

Beyond technical skills, the Chief Justice underscored the paramount importance of professional ethics and integrity. He advised students to cultivate honesty, accountability, and a commitment to service, emphasizing that character is as vital as academic achievement in sustaining a legal career and upholding the rule of law.

The call for enhanced practical and digital training aims to ensure that law graduates are well-equipped to contribute to strengthening Uganda’s justice system and democratic institutions, meeting the demands of an evolving legal landscape.

Source: Nile Post