Uganda’s Robert Kirunda Appointed to The Hague’s Arbitration Court

From Makerere University to The Hague: A Legal Mind on the Global Stage

KAMPALA, UGANDA — In a remarkable milestone for Uganda’s legal fraternity, Robert Kirunda, a seasoned lawyer and lecturer at Makerere University School of Law, has been appointed as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands. This prestigious appointment places him at the heart of global dispute resolution and marks a historic advancement in Uganda’s representation on the international legal stage.

The PCA, established in 1899, is one of the world’s oldest and most respected institutions for resolving disputes between states, state entities, and international organizations. Kirunda’s appointment makes him only the second Ugandan ever to serve in this capacity — a rare honor in global legal circles.

A Scholar and Practitioner of Distinction

Robert Kirunda is no stranger to legal excellence. He has spent nearly two decades shaping minds at Makerere University, where he teaches Land Law, Bankruptcy, and WTO Law to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. His academic interests span a wide spectrum — from oil and gas law to emerging technologies like blockchain and AI governance.

A double LL.M holder, Kirunda completed advanced legal degrees from the University of the Western Cape (cum laude) and the Stanford Law School in the U.S., where he specialized in Science and Technology Law. His studies have placed him in rare legal territory — bridging traditional jurisprudence with 21st-century innovation.

A Career Bridging Academia and Practice

Beyond his academic work, Kirunda is the founding partner of Kirunda & Co. Advocates, a Kampala-based commercial law firm known for its handling of high-profile litigation and international financial disputes.

In recent years, he earned national and regional acclaim for his legal role in the complex dispute between Vantage Mezzanine Fund II and Patrick Bitature’s Simba Group — a case that tested the limits of arbitration and commercial law in Uganda.

He has also served as a legal adviser on infrastructure, fintech regulation, and foreign direct investment. His advisory work and litigation success have consistently positioned him among Uganda’s elite business lawyers.

Representing Uganda at the Table of Nations

Kirunda’s new role at the Permanent Court of Arbitration empowers him to adjudicate high-stakes disputes involving:

International trade

Territorial and maritime boundaries

Investment treaties

Sovereignty conflicts

Environmental and human rights law

“This appointment reflects his deep legal expertise and is a proud moment for Uganda,” said a representative from Makerere University School of Law. Legal scholars across East Africa have also celebrated the news as a testament to the region’s growing legal impact globally.

⚖️ A Symbol of Uganda’s Global Legal Presence

For many aspiring legal professionals in Uganda, Kirunda’s story is one of scholarly pursuit, professional discipline, and global ambition. It shows what is possible when academic excellence meets practical mastery and opens a pathway for other African jurists to enter the global dispute resolution arena.

As he takes his seat at The Hague, Robert Kirunda not only elevates Uganda’s legal stature — he also represents the next generation of African legal minds shaping international law.

Quotes:

> “This appointment is a reflection of Kirunda’s deep expertise and contribution to legal scholarship.”
— Makerere University School of Law

> “Uganda’s presence at the PCA is symbolic of the country’s rising profile in international arbitration.”
— Legal Watch Africa