LDC to have second intake for postgraduate legal practice students

For years, Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised concerns over LDC's operations, particularly high failure rates. On November 29, 2022, MPs on the Public Accounts Committee (Central) expressed their dismay at these statistics.

Since its establishment in 1970, LDC has admitted students pursuing the diploma in one intake.

The centre is the only institution mandated to offer the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, a prerequisite for university law graduates to qualify as Advocates of the Courts of Judicature in Uganda. However, the increasing number of universities offering law degrees has led to a surge in graduates seeking the diploma, adding pressure on LDC’s capacity.

“I am pleased to report that the government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders, will hold a second intake on 6 January 2025 to accommodate the 1,463 students who were previously not admitted,” Kiwanuka said, noting that admission letters for the January intake have already been issued.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa pulse uganda

He pledged to present a letter to Parliament confirming LDC's authorisation to admit all applicants during the plenary session on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

Kiwanuka explained that out of the 2,600 applicants, LDC initially admitted 1,260 students for the September 2024 intake, leaving many still seeking admission due to the centre's capacity limits.

The Attorney General’s statement came in response to Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa’s concern, voiced during the plenary on September 25 about young lawyers struggling to secure spots at LDC.

Tayebwa relayed calls from aspiring lawyers urging for government intervention to allow them to complete their legal practice certificates and begin working.

Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi pulse uganda

Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, further highlighted the frustrations faced by law students throughout the enrolment process, stating that after five years of study, they find themselves at a standstill.

Kiwanuka acknowledged LDC’s limited capacity to meet the sector’s growing demand, revealing that 800 students from the last academic year were carried over to the current year. LDC’s main programme is the contemporary Bar Course, tailored to meet the needs of the legal profession.