Law students from Mount Kigali University embarked on an academic trip to the Nyanza High Court Chamber for International Crimes in Nyanza, strengthening their practical understanding of Rwanda’s legal system while learning directly from key judicial institutions.
The students, led by the Dean of the School of Law, Prof. Fructose Bigirimana, were received by the judicial staff of the court, led by Justice Antoine Muhima, President of the High Court Chamber for International Crimes in Nyanza.
In addition to the High Court, the students paid a courtesy call to other significant legal landmarks in Nyanza District, most notably the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), which plays a crucial role in providing hands-on training to legal professionals across Rwanda.
As part of their experience, the group attended live court proceedings, observing the judicial process firsthand, which gave them a deeper appreciation of courtroom dynamics, evidence presentation, and the responsibilities of judges and lawyers in international crimes-related cases.
In an interactive exchange with students, Justice Muhima urged them to adapt to new trends shaping the practice of law. “The law is constantly evolving, and the future belongs to lawyers who can adjust to change. You must learn from past generations, but also work to fill the gaps they left behind,” he emphasized.
He emphasized the value of academic trips for students at the early stage of their studies, noting that such exposure provides them with a strong foundation for their future careers in law.
Prof. Fructose Bigirimana highlighted the purpose of these academic trips in shaping the next generation of legal minds. “These trips are not just about visiting institutions; they are about immersing our students in the realities of legal practice.
Our Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Law in International Commercial & Investment Laws (LLM) programs are designed to blend academic knowledge with practical exposure so that our graduates emerge as competent, ethical, and globally competitive legal professionals,” he said. “Through such engagements, we want students to build critical thinking skills, confidence, and an appreciation of their role as future custodians of justice.”
The Nyanza trip follows an earlier academic tour to Kenya by the first cohort of law students at the university. Mount Kigali University was accredited to offer the Bachelor of Law program in October 2024, and shortly after, in December 2024, it also received approval to launch the Master of Law program. The pioneer group of Bachelor of Law students was admitted in January 2025.
During their visit to Kenya, the students toured Mount Kenya University’s main campus in Thika before proceeding to Kenya’s National Assembly, where South Mugirango MP and Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro hosted them.
At Parliament, they learned about the law-making process, the distinct roles of the National Assembly and Senate, and the impact of devolution through mechanisms such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The students also visited the Supreme Court of Kenya, where Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u gave a lecture on the jurisdiction, roles, and landmark jurisprudence of the country’s highest court. To enrich their historical perspective, they toured the Kenya Judiciary Museum, which showcases the evolution of the judiciary through preserved artifacts and documents.
Through these local and regional academic trips, Mount Kigali University is positioning its School of Law as a hub for practical legal training and comparative legal studies, ensuring students not only learn the theory of law but also engage with its practice across borders.
