Kabale University Law Students Encouraged to Build Integrity, Digital Skills and Professional Networks

KABALE, September 21, 2026 — Law students at Kabale University have been urged to discover their purpose, build strong values, and acquire practical and technological skills to remain relevant in a rapidly changing legal profession.

The call was made on Monday during a mentorship and career development engagement held at the Teaching Facility on the University’s Main Campus. The event brought together law students, lecturers and university officials, with distinguished speakers sharing insights on personal development, professional growth, integrity and emerging trends in the legal profession.

Among the speakers were Ms. Irene T. Kauma, Undersecretary and Senior Private Secretary to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni; Ms. Eva Mulema Matsiko, Senior Technical Advisor at the Center for Governance at RTI International; and Ms. Monica Monge.

Living a Life of Significance

Ms. Kauma, who was welcomed by the Dean, Faculty of Law, Dr. Charlotte Kabaseke, spoke to the students on the theme “Living a Life of Significance.”

She encouraged students to understand who they are, why they are on earth, where they are going, and what they want to achieve, while identifying people who can support them along their journey.

“Significance means your life helps others to benefit from you, and we need to cultivate this from this age,” Ms. Kauma said.

She encouraged students to identify their passions and begin developing themselves while still at university rather than simply following what others are doing. She urged them to use their university years to invest in academics, relationships, discipline and personal development, noting that major achievements often begin with small and deliberate steps.

Ms. Kauma also emphasized the importance of respecting authority, maintaining integrity and building meaningful relationships. She cautioned that professional ability without good character can undermine an individual’s progress.

“You may be the most gifted person, but the thing that can cut you out is dishonor,” she said.

She further encouraged students to remain patient and consistent when pursuing their ideas and interests, even when these may not initially attract widespread support.

“Vision attracts provision. Keep the vision; it attracts provision,” she said.

Technology Changing Legal Practice

Ms. Eva Mulema Matsiko, Senior Technical Advisor at the Center for Governance at RTI International, challenged students to adapt to technological changes affecting the legal profession, particularly the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and remote working.

She noted that lawyers can no longer rely solely on traditional approaches, as clients increasingly have access to legal information through the internet and other digital platforms.

“AI is a tool that is not going away, so you need to embrace it,” Matsiko said.

She urged students to develop a mindset of continuous learning and acquire technological skills that complement their legal knowledge. She also highlighted the growing importance of remote work and international collaboration, encouraging future lawyers to develop the capacity to work across borders and operate effectively in an increasingly interconnected professional environment.

However, Matsiko emphasized that technology cannot replace qualities such as integrity, communication and human interaction.

“There are some things AI won’t do,” she said, encouraging students to strengthen their public speaking, professionalism and interpersonal skills.

She also urged students to volunteer, participate in professional events and seek opportunities that can help them gain practical experience, develop their skills and build meaningful professional networks.

Choose Your Path Carefully

Ms. Monica Monge used Deuteronomy 30:11 to emphasize the importance of personal choices in shaping one’s future.

She told the students that building a successful career requires self-awareness, deliberate decision-making and continuous development of relevant skills.

Monge encouraged the future lawyers to develop strong writing and communication abilities, which she described as essential competencies in legal practice.

“As lawyers, speak well and have competence to write well. Be a notch higher. Write well,” she said.

She also emphasized integrity, teamwork and trustworthiness, noting that employers and members of the public need lawyers they can rely on.

Preparing Students for the Professional World

Welcoming the guests, Deputy Academic Registrar, Dr. Benon Musinguzi, said the Faculty of Law is among the University’s young academic units but is steadily developing.

He encouraged students to take their education seriously and graduate with the knowledge, skills and character required to compete effectively in the professional world.

The engagement was attended by law lecturers, university officials and students, including Assoc. Prof. Mesharch Katusiimeh Walto.

The mentorship session provided students with practical perspectives on navigating the evolving legal profession. The speakers encouraged them to combine academic excellence with integrity, discipline, effective communication, technological awareness, professional networking and continuous learning as they prepare for impactful careers in law.

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