The Makerere University School of Law has earned international acclaim after its team emerged 1st runners-up at the 5th Annual Boston International Innovation Moot (BIIM) held from February 6–8, 2026.
In addition to their podium finish, the team was awarded the Inaugural Pauline Ndirangu African Willem C. Vis Moot Award, a prestigious grant that will facilitate their participation in the 33rd Willem C. Vis Moot scheduled for April 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
The award recognises exceptional promise, advocacy skills and commitment to excellence in international commercial arbitration, while advancing African representation on the global moot court stage.
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Barnabas Nawangwe, congratulated the team on their achievement. “Congratulations to the gallant Makerereans,” Prof. Nawangwe said in a message celebrating the students’ success.
Recognising African Excellence
According to the award certificate issued by BIIM, the grant is presented to an African team registered for the 33rd Vis Moot in Vienna. It specifically celebrates outstanding advocacy and dedication to international arbitration.
The Boston International Innovation Moot is an annual competition that brings together law students from across the globe to argue complex issues in international commercial law and dispute resolution.
The award was signed by BIIM Founder and Co-Director Dimitrios Ioannidis, alongside Co-Directors Martha Malia Lui, Clara Lèban Vaquez and Frédéric Simon Augustyn.
Elevating Uganda on the Global Stage
The achievement marks another milestone for Makerere Law School, which has consistently built a reputation for excellence in legal scholarship and competitive mooting.
By securing both a runners-up position and the inaugural African Vis Moot grant, the team has positioned Uganda prominently within the international arbitration community.
The upcoming competition in Vienna will see the Makerere team compete against top law schools worldwide, further strengthening Uganda’s presence in global legal forums and showcasing the country’s growing academic excellence.