UNIMA Private and Public Law & CLE

Last Thursday, the Disability Rights Clinic, in collaboration with FEDOMA, hosted a symposium commemorating World Day for Assistive Technology. The discussions highlighted the vital role of laws and policies in promoting access to assistive technology, fostering inclusion, and ensuring a dignified life for persons with disabilities.

The Students Law Society (SLS), with support from the Nyale Institute, has released a Special Edition Journal titled “Putting Malawi First: Advancing Gender Equality and SRHR for Sustainable Development.”

The journal explores a range of gender issues, including gender-based violence, women in corporate governance, and masculinities, among others. Special thanks to the Editor-in-Chief, Bright Macnold, and the SLS Executive for leading this important student initiative.

📢 Applications are now open for enrollment into the University of Malawi’s Diploma in Law and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year! Take the next step toward a rewarding legal career with the University of Malawi’s School of Law.

For application requirements, programme details, and submission guidelines, visit:

https://www.unima.ac.mw/announcements/call-for-applications-diploma-in-law-and-bachelor-of-laws-honours-programmes-2026-2027-11-05-2026

A warm congratulations to our third-year law students, Caleb Samson Mkulama and Taweni Vinandi Maoni, and second-year law student, Charity Thom, for qualifying for the pre-final rounds of the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition.

This achievement places the University of Malawi among the top 50 universities globally and 18th in Africa. We wish them all the best as they advance to the next stage.

A hearty congratulations to Mr Chikosa Banda on his appointment to the Judicial Service Commission!!🎉

✨Clinic Spotlight✨

On 17 April, the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Clinic, the Disability Rights Clinic, and the Child Rights Clinic, in collaboration with Empower Young Mind, hosted a two-day workshop on championing the active participation of youth and children with disabilities in climate action.

The workshop highlighted lived experiences that limit their involvement, including entrenched biases, exclusion from decision making, and poverty, and emphasized the need to create inclusive, participatory spaces that empower them to meaningfully engage in climate action.

Last Friday, as part of their Clinical Legal Education course, our final-year students visited the High Court in Blantyre to conduct moot trials before Justice Kayira, Justice N’riva, Justice Kacheche and Justice Muhome, gaining valuable practical experience. They delivered opening statements, conducted examinations, and presented arguments with confidence and professionalism. They clearly understood the assignment, both in law and in style!

We look forward to seeing how they perform in the legal profession.

Thank you to the Malawi Judiciary for helping facilitate this exercise.

✨Clinic Spotlight✨

From 7–10 April, the Disability Rights Clinic, led by its Patron Dr Enoch Chilemba and supported by two executive committee members, facilitated a workshop on Policy Review and Advocacy Training focused on selected national policies for disability inclusion. Held at Lifestyle Boutique Hotel in Lilongwe and organised by Sightsavers, the workshop forms part of the ongoing Realisation of the Africa Disability Rights Protocol (ADP) in Malawi Project.

Participating Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) gained practical skills in policy and legal analysis, developing effective policy briefs and key messages, and strengthening strategic advocacy approaches. The initiative marks a meaningful step toward advancing evidence-based advocacy and disability-inclusive policy reform. The clinic’s participation also reflects the University of Malawi’s commitment to community outreach as a core function.

✨2026 Excellence Awards✨

On Thursday, 16 April, the Department of Law recognised 29 outstanding students who achieved credit-level GPAs in the Diploma in Law and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) programmes. Guest of Honour, Counsel Chisomo Nyemba Governor, highlighted the importance of intellectual discipline in an increasingly digital age marked by constant distractions. She urged students to embrace resilience, consistency, and humility as essential pillars of success, noting that excellence is not a destination but a continuous journey.

We commend the Students Law Society for organising this important initiative, with support from FDH Financial Holdings Limited. The Excellence Awards play a vital role in motivating students to sustain high standards of achievement.

Hard work deserves recognition. Hosted by the UNIMA Students Law Society, and sponsored by FDH Financial Holdings Limited, the annual SLS Excellence Awards celebrate top performing law students who continue to raise the bar. Join us as we honour academic excellence.