Mount Kigali University (MKU) has taken a significant step in advancing legal education in Rwanda with the establishment of its School of Law at the Kigali campus.
Law students en route to Kenya for an academic trip
This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to modernizing legal training and equipping students with the skills needed in today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape.
Speaking to MKU Magazine, Professor Fructose Bigirimana, Dean of the Law Department, emphasized that the new faculty is designed to move beyond traditional teaching methods by incorporating innovative approaches to legal education. “Our curriculum is structured to reflect the dynamic nature of law in Rwanda and globally,” he said.
MKU’s School of Law introduces contemporary branches of law to address emerging legal challenges. The curriculum includes courses in Cyberlaw, Consumer Law, Economic Law, Commercial Law, Business Law, and E-Commerce Law, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of modern legal practice.
A key differentiator of MKU’s program is its strong emphasis on practical experience.
“We want to focus on practice rather than theory,” Professor Bigirimana explained. The curriculum integrates mobility teaching methods, which include field visits to institutions such as the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and participation in enhanced Moot Court competitions at both national and international levels.
Additionally, a legal clinic will be established, allowing students to provide legal advice to community members and MKU personnel under the guidance of experienced lecturers.
“This hands-on approach will bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, preparing graduates to tackle challenges such as cybercrime, e-commerce disputes, and other contemporary legal issues,” Professor Bigirimana added.
MKU’s law students will benefit from the expertise of lecturers from both Rwanda and Kenya. This dual perspective is particularly valuable, as Rwanda operates under a civil law system, while Kenya follows common law. Exposure to both legal traditions will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of different legal frameworks, enhancing their adaptability in the global legal environment.
The university is also launching an exchange program, where 20 students will travel to Kenya for immersive learning experiences, including visits to prisons and courts, participation in public lectures, and engagement with Kenyan legal institutions.
Beyond undergraduate studies, MKU is expanding its postgraduate offerings. Master’s programs in International Commercial Law and Investment Law are set to begin in May 2025. Additional programs in International Criminal Law, International Human Rights Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, and a Master of Science in Information Technology are also in development.
With the launch of its School of Law, Mount Kigali University becomes the fifth institution in Rwanda to offer legal studies.
