Cavendish University emerged as the first runners-up in the highly competitive Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Court Competition 2023, securing a prize of one million Uganda shillings.
The inter-university competition took place from September 21st to 22nd, 2023, and saw the participation of 15 teams from various institutions including; Cavendish University Uganda (CUU), Makerere University, Bishop Stuart University, Gulu University, International University of East Africa (IUEA), Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)- Kampala Campus, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)- Main Campus, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)- Female Campus Nkumba University, King Ceasor University, Kampala International University (KIU), Uganda Christian University (UCU) – Kampala Campus, Uganda Christian University (UCU) – Mukono Campus, Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) and Uganda Pentecostal University (UPU).
The theme of the competition was “Balancing Privacy Rights and National Security: Navigating the Impact of Surveillance Laws on Individual Freedoms.” It aimed to address the complex issues surrounding data protection and privacy, particularly in relation to the ever-growing concerns of surveillance laws.
Representing Cavendish University (CUU), were two exceptional students from the Faculty of Law, Mirriam Lawoko and Mugisha Echo. Mirriam Lawoko, the President of the Cavendish Law Society, and Mugisha Echo have both previously showcased their legal prowess in various moot court competitions, earning the university numerous accolades.
Ultimately, the winners of the competition were the students from Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU). The Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Court Competition, organized annually by Unwanted Witness, focuses on data protection and privacy. Since 2012, Unwanted Witness has been at the forefront of promoting the right to privacy through research and advocacy.
Looking ahead, the importance of privacy professionals in organizations will continue to grow as data protection regulations become more stringent. The UW Privacy Moot competition provides a unique opportunity for young legal professionals to gain expert knowledge of data protection laws, policies, and regulations, while also honing their oral, written, analytical, and logical skills. By dissecting both procedural and substantive issues in the field, this competition serves as a valuable training ground for the legal leaders of tomorrow.
The moot competition was graced by a panel of distinguished judges, comprising Justice Kiryabwire, Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Ekirikubinza, and Her Lordship Eva Luswata.
