Uwase Ruzindana Vickie and Isingizwe Angelo Calvin Lead UoK to National Victory with Excellence in Advocacy and Legal Reasoning
The University of Kigali (UoK) has been crowned the overall champion of Rwanda’s inaugural National Inter-University Moot Court Competition, marking an important milestone in the advancement of legal education and practical advocacy training in the country.
Representing UoK, Law students Uwase Ruzindana Vickie and Isingizwe Angelo Calvin delivered an outstanding performance throughout the competition, earning an impressive overall score of 83.9 percent and securing first place nationally.
The two-day competition brought together students from leading law schools across Rwanda to present legal arguments before distinguished members of the judiciary, legal profession, academia and international human rights institutions.
Organized by the Rwanda Moot Court Forum (RMCF), the competition forms part of a broader national effort to strengthen experiential legal education by giving students practical opportunities to develop courtroom advocacy, legal research and analytical skills.
Beyond competition, the initiative reflects a growing emphasis on preparing future lawyers not only to understand legal doctrine but also to apply the law effectively in complex professional environments.
A Competition Focused on the Future of Justice
The inaugural edition was organized under the theme:
“Technology and Human Rights: Advancing Access to Justice, Accountability and Digital Inclusion in Rwanda’s Hybrid Legal System.”
The theme challenged participants to examine the evolving relationship between technology, constitutional governance, access to justice and the protection of fundamental human rights.
As Rwanda continues to embrace digital transformation, these questions are becoming increasingly relevant to the legal profession and the administration of justice.
Participating teams prepared detailed written memorials for both the applicant and respondent in a simulated legal dispute before advancing to oral rounds designed to test legal analysis, research, persuasive argument and the ability to respond effectively to judicial questioning.
The preliminary rounds, quarter-finals and semi-finals were held on 23 July 2026 at Kigali Independent University (ULK), followed by the Grand Finale on 24 July 2026 at the Supreme Court of the Republic of Rwanda.
Arguing before the nation’s highest court provided participants with a valuable opportunity to experience an environment closely resembling appellate litigation and professional courtroom practice.
Rwanda’s Leading Law Schools Go Head-to-Head
The inaugural competition attracted six accredited universities:
University of Kigali – Champion
Kigali Independent University (ULK)
Mount Kigali University
INES-Ruhengeri
University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK)
University of Rwanda (UR)
Throughout the competition, students demonstrated strong legal analysis and an ability to engage with contemporary questions surrounding technology, human rights and justice.
UoK’s first-place finish highlighted the strength of its academic preparation and practical advocacy training within a highly competitive national field.
Judged by Leaders of the Legal Profession
The competition was assessed by a distinguished panel comprising High Court judges, senior advocates of the Rwanda Bar Association, legal academics and human rights experts.
Members of the Grand Final bench brought professional experience from institutions including the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The panel also included respected constitutional scholars and legal educators, including professionals who have contributed to legal education at the University of Kigali.
Their experience ensured that participants were assessed against demanding professional standards in legal research, written submissions, oral advocacy, ethical reasoning and courtroom conduct.
The ability of the UoK team to perform successfully before such an experienced bench demonstrates the level of preparation and discipline required to achieve the championship.
Why the University of Kigali’s Victory Matters
The achievement extends beyond winning a national competition. It demonstrates the importance of connecting classroom learning with practical legal experience.
Unlike conventional academic assessments, moot court competitions require students to conduct independent research, prepare structured written pleadings, develop arguments based on law and precedent, and defend those arguments before judges who closely examine their reasoning.
Such experiences help students develop confidence, critical thinking, professionalism and the ability to communicate complex legal ideas clearly.
The result therefore reflects not only individual preparation but also the value of an educational approach that exposes students to the practical demands of the legal profession.
At a time when legal professionals are increasingly required to navigate issues involving technology, governance and human rights, this type of training is especially valuable.
Setting a New Benchmark for Legal Education
As Rwanda’s first National Inter-University Moot Court Competition, the initiative establishes an important platform for strengthening experiential legal education.
By combining academic research with simulated courtroom practice, the competition supports the Rwanda Moot Court Forum’s mission to promote advocacy training, mentorship and legal scholarship within Rwanda’s legal community.
For the University of Kigali, the championship adds a significant achievement to its participation in national and regional moot court competitions and strengthens its reputation for developing students with both academic knowledge and practical legal skills.
As Rwanda’s legal system continues to evolve alongside technological and social change, initiatives of this kind will play an important role in preparing future lawyers to address emerging challenges with professionalism, integrity and sound legal judgment.
For Uwase Ruzindana Vickie and Isingizwe Angelo Calvin, the championship recognizes their dedication, preparation and performance on a national stage.
For the University of Kigali, it represents a proud achievement and a strong demonstration of its commitment to preparing the next generation of legal professionals to contribute meaningfully to the future of justice in Rwanda and beyond.
