Uganda and the United Arab Emirates have strengthened diplomatic relations through a newly activated visa-free travel arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports. The move is expected to ease official engagements and deepen cooperation between the two nations, reflecting growing ties in governance, trade, and international collaboration.
Amid these positive diplomatic developments, Uganda’s academic community is celebrating a major international milestone.
The Makerere University School of Law has captured global attention after securing the first runners-up position at the 5th Annual Boston International Innovation Moot (BIIM), held from February 6–8, 2026.
The Boston-based competition gathers top law students from around the world to tackle complex issues in international commercial law and dispute resolution. Makerere’s team distinguished itself through sharp legal reasoning, persuasive advocacy, and an impressive command of arbitration principles, earning recognition among elite global institutions.
Their achievement did not end with a podium finish. The team also received the Inaugural Pauline Ndirangu African Willem C. Vis Moot Award, a prestigious grant that will fund their participation in the 33rd Willem C. Vis Moot scheduled for April 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
This award is specifically designated for an African team registered for the Vienna competition and honors exceptional promise, advocacy excellence, and dedication to advancing international commercial arbitration.
It also represents a significant step toward increasing African visibility in high-level global legal forums.
Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the students for their remarkable performance, describing their success as a proud achievement for both the university and the nation. His congratulatory message highlighted the resilience and discipline that propelled the team onto the global stage.
The award certificate, endorsed by BIIM Founder Dimitrios Ioannidis alongside fellow co-directors, underscores the weight of the recognition. Beyond financial support, the grant affirms Makerere’s growing influence in international arbitration circles and its commitment to nurturing world-class legal talent.
As preparations intensify for the Vienna competition, Makerere’s representatives carry with them not only national pride but also the aspirations of a continent. Their success signals Uganda’s rising academic strength and positions the country as an emerging force in the international arbitration community.
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