MKUR’s victory at the 2026 national competition highlights the University’s commitment to practical legal training, professional excellence and preparing graduates to thrive in a competitive job market. Mount Kigali University (MKUR), through its School of Law, has emerged as the winner of the 10th Edition of the Rwandan National Moot Court Competition on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) 2026, organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Rwanda. The competition brought together law students from several universities, including INES, the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), the University of Kigali (UoK) and the Kigali Independent University (ULK), providing a platform for participants to demonstrate their understanding of international humanitarian law, legal reasoning, advocacy and courtroom presentation. MKU’s outstanding performance earned the University the overall championship, marking a significant achievement for its School of Law and reaffirming the importance of practical, experiential learning in legal education.
Beyond securing the overall title, MKUR students distinguished themselves through exceptional advocacy skills and individual performance. Keza Emmanuela was recognised as the Best Overall Speaker, while Gloria Nshuti Nziza received the Best Speaker award. Both students represented the defence side during the competition. Their achievements reflect their ability to construct persuasive legal arguments, interpret relevant legal principles, respond to opposing submissions and present their cases with clarity and confidence. The awards also demonstrate the value of equipping law students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to realistic legal scenarios, strengthening their readiness for professional practice. At Mount Kigali University, student success extends beyond academic qualifications. The University is committed to creating an enabling learning environment where students develop the practical competencies, professional confidence and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
Through moot court competitions, legal research, case analysis, oral advocacy and engagement with professional institutions, MKUR’s School of Law provides students with opportunities to experience the demands of legal practice while still in training. These experiences help students develop transferable skills that are essential across the legal profession, including communication, teamwork, analytical reasoning, ethical decision-making, negotiation and problem-solving. Participation in national competitions also exposes students to professional standards, constructive evaluation and healthy competition, enabling them to identify their strengths and refine their abilities before entering the job market. By encouraging students to participate in such platforms, MKUR is strengthening the link between academic learning and professional expectations, ensuring that graduates are better prepared to contribute meaningfully to law firms, public institutions, corporate organisations, civil society and other areas of legal practice.
International Humanitarian Law addresses the rules governing armed conflict and seeks to protect people who are not, or are no longer, participating in hostilities. Understanding and applying these principles requires sound legal knowledge, careful interpretation and the ability to analyse complex situations. The National Moot Court Competition provides a valuable opportunity for aspiring legal professionals to engage with these principles in a simulated courtroom environment. It encourages students to move beyond theoretical understanding and demonstrate how legal rules can be applied to practical cases. MKUR’s success therefore represents more than a competition victory. It reflects the University’s broader commitment to developing competent, ethical and practice-ready graduates who can respond to the evolving demands of the legal profession.
The achievement by Keza Emmanuela, Gloria Nshuti Nziza and the wider MKUR School of Law community underscores the importance of student-centred learning, mentorship and opportunities for professional development. As Mount Kigali University continues to strengthen its academic programmes and industry engagement, achievements such as this reinforce its focus on nurturing talent, promoting innovation and preparing graduates to compete effectively in the workplace. The victory is a proud milestone for MKUR and a testament to the potential of students who are given the knowledge, practical exposure and supportive environment needed to excel. Through its commitment to quality education and experiential learning, Mount Kigali University continues to position its students not only to graduate, but also to thrive in their chosen careers and make meaningful contributions to society.
