The Law Development Centre (LDC) attributes the high failure rates among bar course students to inadequately prepared lawyers graduating from various universities. Annette Karungi, Head of the Bar Course at LDC, expressed that the nine-month duration allocated to the institution is insufficient to address the knowledge and skills gaps of these students. Karungi made these remarks during a session with the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee while defending the LDC’s 2024/25 ministerial policy statement.
Karungi’s comments came in response to queries from Fox Odoi (West Budama North East), who questioned the absence of information regarding student performance from the LDC. Yusuf Mutembuli, Vice Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, echoed similar concerns, highlighting the low graduation rate of only 274 out of 1900 students.
Karungi clarified Mutembuli’s figures, explaining that in 2022/23, out of 1963 students admitted, 770 passed outright, while the results of supplementary exams are pending. She expressed optimism that the graduation numbers would increase once these results are released.
In the 2024/25 national budget, LDC has been allocated Shs33.030 billion, with a significant portion earmarked for wages, non-wage expenses, and development. However, the operationalization of the Mbale Regional Campus is at risk if the required Shs5.8 billion isn’t provided.
Hamis Lukyamuzi, Secretary to LDC, informed the committee about the institution’s decentralization policy, which aims to bring services closer to the people. He detailed plans for the Mbale Campus, including recruitment and admission targets.
Documents presented to the committee outline LDC’s plans to train 2000 students on the Bar Course across four campuses, along with additional courses in administrative law and continued legal education. To support these plans, LDC is requesting additional funding for allowances and facilitation for part-time lecturers.
Lukyamuzi defended the funding request, citing an increased number of students on the Bar Course and the need to manage the backlog resulting from the suspension of pre-entry exams. Additionally, he highlighted the need for funding to complete the second phase of a multi-purpose building, which would enable LDC to accommodate more students and generate revenue.
