The Mukono High Court Resident Judge, Lady Justice Bareebe Rosemary Ngabirano, has urged law students at Kabale University to acquire strong digital competencies and prepare for a rapidly evolving legal landscape increasingly shaped by technology, particularly artificial intelligence.
She made the remarks on Tuesday while officiating as Chief Guest at the 2nd Kabale University Law Symposium held under the theme “Innovation and the Future of Legal Practice.” The symposium brought together law students, lecturers, advocates, and other legal professionals to deliberate on emerging trends transforming the justice sector.
Lady Justice Bareebe challenged students to embrace technological change and develop relevant digital skills that will enable them to remain effective and competitive in modern legal practice.
“The legal practice has changed, and it is important for students to understand that they can no longer operate in the old way. They need to embrace technology and leverage it to their advantage,” she said.
With over 27 years of legal experience and academic qualifications including a Master of Laws and a Master of Business Administration, Lady Justice Bareebe also called upon senior judicial officers and legal practitioners to mentor law students and support their adaptation to new methods of practice.
“We (the seniors) must recognize that these younger lawyers are coming from a world of innovation, especially the internet. You’ve heard of Gen Z. They all need guidance and an attitude shift to adapt to the modern legal environment,” she added.
The Kigezi Region Police Officer in Charge of Legal and Human Rights, ASP Arnold Ndagije, commended Kabale University for its growing contribution to legal education and academic excellence. He noted that despite the Faculty of Law being relatively new, students had demonstrated strong enthusiasm for learning and a commitment to addressing societal challenges.
He also reinforced the call for students to embrace innovation and develop strong digital skills to complement their legal training.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law at Kabale University, Dr. Charlotte Kabaseke, explained that the symposium forms part of the university’s annual career development initiatives aimed at exposing students to practical legal insights from experienced professionals.
She emphasized that such engagements help students deepen their understanding of contemporary legal issues, strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills, and bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world legal practice.
Kabale University officially inaugurated its Faculty of Law on May 22, 2024, marking a key milestone in expanding access to affordable legal education following its establishment as a public university in 2015.
In 2025, the university was accredited by the Law Council of Uganda and the relevant higher education regulatory authorities to teach law, becoming one of only 19 accredited institutions in the country as of April 2026. The Faculty of Law offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program aimed at bridging the gap between law and society in Uganda’s southwestern region.
