About the Competition
The Inagural Patrice Lumumba Memorial Interuniversity Moot Court Competition is an annual event launched by Onyango & Co. Advocates to empower first-year law students (second semester) across Uganda with practical skills in legal advocacy, research, and writing. Held every April, starting in 2026, this pioneering initiative honors his fight against political persecution and judicial manipulation. Lumumba’s own denial of fair trial rights and his assassination without due process underscores the need for criminal justice systems that protect, rather than persecute, those who challenge power. This competition seeks to empower the next generation of advocates from the outset of their legal education.
- Theme:The theme for the 2026 moot competition is “Advancing Access to Justice in Uganda’s Criminal Legal System”
This competition provides a unique platform for first-year law students to engage with contemporary legal issues. The 2026 competition adopts a hybrid format—online preliminary and quarter/semi-final rounds and an in-person grand finale—ensuring accessibility for participants across Uganda. By fostering skills development, networking, and ethical advocacy, the Inagural Patrice Lumumba Memorial Interuniversity Moot Court Competition aims to build a community of young lawyers committed to justice and equity.
Key Features:
- Eligibility:Open to first-year law students(second semester) from accredited Ugandan law schools.
- Team Composition:Teams of three (two oralists, one researcher), with encouragement of gender balance(e.g., at least one female member).
- Training:Two mandatory online training sessions on legal research, memorial writing, and oral advocacy, led by experienced advocates.
- Prizes:Patrice Lumumba Memorial Trophy, 3-month internships at Onyango & Co. Advocates, certificates, among others.
Why Participate?
Launch your advocacy journey, develop critical legal skills, and contribute to a legacy of justice! Register now
- Registration Deadline:28th February 2026
- Register Here:https://forms.gle/VPB68nw9eC38f69eA
- Follow us:#LumumbaMoot2026 | Twitter/X: @oc_advocates | Linkedln: Onyango and Co Advocates
Moot Problem and Instructions
Moot Problem Overview
The 2026 moot problem, Mulengo & Another v. The Republic of Azania (CA/CR/2025/001), is a compelling fictional criminal appeal set before the Court of Appeal of the Republic of Azania. It centers on the murder of Steven Tomasi Mulengo, a former minister and presidential candidate, allegedly by his sons, Antonio and Francis Mulengo. The case involves political intrigue, family conflict, and allegations of state interference, challenging students to analyse fair trial violations, evidentiary sufficiency, and sentencing proportionality.
Issues for Argument:
i. Whether the High Court violated their right to a fair trial under Article 28 of the Azanian Constitution due to state interference (e.g., court raids, rearrest after bail) and exclusion of key evidence and witnesses.
ii. Whether the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, given conflicting testimonies, multiple bullet calibres, and possible third-party or state involvement.
iii. Whether the death penalty by shooting is cruel, inhuman, or disproportionate under Azanian law.
iv. Whether the Trail Judge exceeded jurisdiction by modifying the statutory execution method
v. Whether undue delay in determining the appeal constitutes a violation of fair trial rights and /or inhuman treatment warranting relief.
Download the Moot Problem here
Competition Instructions
The competition adheres to clear rules to ensure fairness and accessibility:
- Eligibility:Open to first-year law students (second semester) at accredited Ugandan law schools, with a maximum of three teams per university.
- Format:Hybrid (online preliminaries, in-person finale).
- Memorial Submission:Electronic memorials (Century Gothic, 11 pt, max 15 pages) due by 28th February 2026 to lumumbamoot@onyangoadvocates.com. No hard copies required.
- Oral Rounds:Each team has 20 minutes.
- Ethical Standards:Plagiarism or unethical conduct results in disqualification. AI use is permitted for research but not for generating full arguments.
- Data Protection:Participant data is protected under Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act, Cap 97. Request access/deletion at lumumbamoot@onyangoadvocates.com
Key Dates:
- 28th February 2026:Deadline for Registration & Payment.
- 3rd-13th March 2026:Mandatory Training (Research & Understanding of Moot Problem + Legal Drafting & Presentation) (online).
- 18th March 2026:End of Clarification on Moot Problem.
- 7th April 2026:Preliminary Rounds (online).
- 8th April 2026:Octos & Quarter Finals.
- 9th April 2026:Semi-Finals, Grand Final & Awards Ceremony.
Download the Full Instructions here:
Sponsors and Partners
Interested in becoming a Sponsor or Partner?
Download our sponsorship package [Link to pdf] or contact us at lumumbamoot@onyangoadvocates.com.
FAQs
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Who can participate?
First-year law students (second semester) from accredited law schools in Uganda, forming teams of three (two oralists, one researcher) with at least a faculty coach.
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What is the registration fee?
UGX 200,000 per team, covering training sessions, materials, and logistics.
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How do I register?
Complete the online form at https://forms.gle/VPB68nw9eC38f69eA and submit proof of payment to lumumbamoot@onyangoadvocates.com by 15th December 2025.
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What support is provided?
Two mandatory online training sessions, digital resources and recorded webinars.
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Can teams use AI tools?
AI use is permitted for research but not for generating full arguments. Declare use in a cover letter with memorials.
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What are the prizes?
Winners receive the Patrice Lumumba Memorial Trophy, internships, certificates, among others. All participants get certificates.
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How are memorials and oral rounds judged?
Memorials: legal analysis (40%), clarity (30%), structure (30%).
Oral rounds: legal knowledge(40%), advocacy skills (40%, advocacy skills (40%), responsiveness(20%)