Universities in Uganda have been urged to fully adopt competence-based learning to equip graduates with practical skills needed in the job market. This call comes amid concerns over rising unemployment among degree holders. The government introduced the competence-based curriculum in 2020 and has given institutions until the 2027/2028 academic year to align their programs.

Speaking at the 2026 Philip C. Jessop International Law Moot Court Competition at Kampala International University (KIU), Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, the institution's Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the shift from exam-centered teaching to skills acquisition.

"One of the challenges we face is that many students focus on passing exams. Training happens in class, but the practice of law happens in courts and in society. Students should pick these concepts not just to pass exams, but to apply them in real-life situations," he said.

He added that the Jessop competition tests students' ability to apply what they've learned, demonstrating competence-based education. "

The Jessop competition is important to law students globally because it tests their ability to apply what they have learnt. This is a clear demonstration of competence-based education," Dr. Ngoma said.

Education experts attribute unemployment challenges to exam-oriented training and limited practical exposure. The Philip C. Jessop International Law Moot Court Competition, the world's largest moot court contest, aims to cultivate essential skills like public speaking, legal research, and writing.

Brian Alex Kiira, National Administrator of the competition, said the winning university will represent Uganda in Washington, competing against 100 universities globally.

"The structure of the Jessup Competition is as follows: we begin with national rounds, like the ones happening here, which are held in countries all over the world. From these rounds, a national champion is crowned and will go on to represent Uganda at the international advanced rounds, which this year will take place in Washington, D.C., U.S.A., later in March," Mr. Kiira said.

He added, "The Jessup Competition is designed to cultivate essential skills for the practice of law, skills that are valuable whether or not you plan to practice in a courtroom. These include public speaking, oratory, confidence, legal research, and legal writing."

Dr. Ngoma advised law students to focus on acquiring skills and competences for effective practice after graduation.

"This particular event shows whether the law students we train in this country can practically apply legal concepts. Ideally, students should learn in courts of law, but we do not have enough courts to accommodate all law students. These competitions therefore act as laboratories where students practise the law," he said.

The competition is being held simultaneously in other countries, providing a global platform for law students to showcase their skills. Universities that win at the national level will represent their countries internationally, offering a valuable opportunity for students to gain experience and recognition.