Huye, October 9, 2024 – Law students at the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus were encouraged to broaden their perspectives and align their knowledge with current global trends during a talk given by Dr. Aime Muyoboke Karimunda, Rector of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development.

Speaking to the students, Dr. Muyoboke emphasized the importance of advancing legal education to address the changing needs of society.

“Today, we see graduates specializing in criminal law, family law, or inheritance law, waiting for cases to arise. But what if those issues never come up?” Dr. Muyoboke posed to the students. “Creating knowledge in emerging areas like contract law in sports, environmental law, energy law, space law, and international investment law is essential. This is how lawyers can sustain themselves and stay relevant.”

He stressed that the evolving nature of the legal profession requires lawyers to be proactive, contributing to the country's political, economic, and social development by offering timely and high-quality legal services. He also underscored the need for law students to uphold professional ethics and develop global competencies.

“Rwanda needs lawyers who can compete internationally, not just academically but also in terms of professional values like punctuality, proper presentation, and client relations,” Dr. Muyoboke said. He invited students to consider furthering their studies at ILPD, which, he explained, is the pathway designed by the legislator for entering various legal professions in Rwanda.

Laurent Shenge, Head of the Public Law Department, echoed the importance of such engagements, noting that they complement the academic curriculum and provides students with practical insights into the legal profession. He affirmed that the university is also revising its curriculum to include modern subjects like medical law, sports law, and space law.

Students who attended the event expressed gratitude for the valuable knowledge shared and urged the university of Rwanda and ILPD leadership to advocate for government loans to support their continued education at ILPD, noting that financial challenges often hinder their progress.

The School of Law at the University of Rwanda currently has over 400 students across its three branches: UR-Huye, the National Police College in Musanze, and the Gako Military Academy. The event left students inspired to explore new legal frontiers and equipped with a renewed sense of purpose in their academic and professional journeys.