Many of you are probably wondering what the next few months hold for you at Law Development Centre (LDC). You are perhaps anxious, excited to have made it among the so many that wished to get in, ready to have a go at what everyone says is a life-changing experience…
Whatever emotion it is that you are feeling, we hope that in this week of orientation you will be set in the right direction, part of which is the reason we are here this (morning or afternoon), which is to make you feel welcomed and at home here in (Mbarara, Lira, Kampala). The other part is to let you learn how to put your best foot forward, regardless of your background and previous experiences.
This week’s orientation program is designed to help you get acquainted with our campus, meet your fellow students, and learn about the resources and opportunities available to you. I hope you have attended the various sessions that provide valuable information about academic programmes, student services, extracurricular activities, and campus life.
The LDC has a rich tradition of legal excellence. Our Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice has been in existence for over 50 years. Several nations have benchmarked LDC as they seek to improve their own course offerings in this area. We take pride in this recognition and our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where you can grow, learn and achieve your full potential as a budding legal professional.
At the LDC you will find a full package of workshops, guest lecture series, discussions and a whole range of activities to enrich your knowledge, expertise and outlook to life in the legal profession as well as the general world of work. I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities presented. Ask questions, participate in discussions, and build connections. This is one of the most valuable aspects of your time here – building relationships. Get involved in student activities, make the most of your time here. We look forward to seeing how each of you will contribute to our vibrant student life. It is a chance to not only gain legal expertise but to form friendships that could last a lifetime.
Over the next 12 months of endeavour, we shall give you plenty of opportunity to discover the depth of your endurance in working really hard. This is just one aspect though. We hope that you will also get to discover (Mbarara or Lira or the environs of LDC Kampala), make new friends, grow into a legal professional who you and us both will be proud of.
Keep focused. Have a discussion group. Read, read and then read some more. Do develop whatever mechanism works for you in releasing stress; at least some form of exercise and relaxation – be it walking or listening to calming music, cooking, singing, playing an instrument etc. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Our dedicated faculty, staff, and other support structures are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need academic advice, personal support, or just someone to talk to, we have a wide range of resources available to assist you as you have been informed or will be informed during the course of this week.
Now, we do need to address some sticky issues. One of them is sexual harassment. I would like for all of you students to rest assured that LDC will be a safe place for you to carry out your studies free from sexual harassment. We do have in place an Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy to protect both students and staff from this vice. Please feel free to report any incidences or situations where you are made to feel unsafe, whether from a fellow student, professional advisor or administrator. We operate zero tolerance towards sexual harassment. Any student or staff who is found to violate our expectations in this regard will be firmly dealt with in accordance with our disciplinary rules and regulations.
I would like to point out that the above stand will equally apply to any incidences of ‘Money for Marks’. We have had incidents in the past where students have paid staff – both professional advisors and administrative staff – money to have their marks changed. Please stand warned that we shall exercise vigilance in looking out for this vice and anyone caught will be severely disciplined.
The Bar Course is difficult, there is no doubt about this. However, all of us on this side, the professional advisors and all advocates have gone through the same experience and lived to tell the tale. So, you can do it too! Every one of you has earned your place here. Don’t lose your nerve. It will not be easy but it will be great.
May the next 12 months take you on a remarkable journey of discovery that begins now. Embrace this it with an open mind and a positive attitude. Strive to be the best version of yourselves.
Once again, a very warm welcome to LDC. We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to a fantastic year ahead.
Thank you all for being here today. Let us make this orientation week a memorable and productive start to your journey with us.
Enjoy the Journey!
Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira
Director, LDC
