The legal profession is increasingly shaped by digital transformation, with technology playing a central role in the way legal services are delivered, managed, and accessed. Globally, law firms, courts, and regulatory bodies have adopted digital tools for drafting, filing, case management, and communication. In Uganda, the judiciary and legal sector are also undergoing modernization, with initiatives such as e-filing systems, digital court records, and online case management and tracking platforms.
Despite these advancements, many legal professionals and law students still lack sufficient digital skills to effectively utilize these tools in their daily practice. Lawyers continue to rely heavily on traditional manual processes, which limits efficiency, increases costs, and sometimes undermines competitiveness in both local and international practice. In addition, the rise of cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and blockchain poses both opportunities and challenges for the legal profession.
Programme Objectives
The programme has the following objectives;
- Provide lawyers with foundational digital literacy skills and productivity tools adapted to legal workflows.
- Build competencies in secure digital communication, collaboration, and client data protection.
- Introduce practical applications of cybersecurity, digital content creation, and emerging technologies in the legal sector.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to;
- Use productivity and collaboration tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, cloud platforms) for case management and client documentation.
- Apply secure digital practices to protect client confidentiality and comply with national and international data protection laws.
- Critically evaluate and adopt emerging digital technologies (cloud, blockchain, e-justice systems) in legal practice.
- Present a professional digital innovation project at a showcase session, demonstrating their ability to integrate technology into legal contexts.
Award
Students who successfully complete this course shall be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Literacy for Lawyers by Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU).
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Literacy for Lawyers should have a minimum qualification of Bachelors of Laws (LLB).
Program Duration
The duration of the certificate programme will range from two (2) months to four (4) to cater for those with busy schedules. The participants will be allowed to take one module at time until when they finish all the modules of the certificate programme.
Mode of Study
The Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Literacy for Lawyers in addition to being taught from a physical lecture room, it will be developed as a fully online certificate programme and so all the study materials, reading materials and assessments will be available in the UTAMU E-learning Platform with a dedicated section for this certificate programme. This will allow learners to study any time from any place and at their pace.
For this Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Literacy for Lawyers, UTAMU offers flexible study options: day, evening or weekend. The lectures and tutorials will be conducted both physically and online to cater for diverse groups. The physical classes will be conducted from ULS HOUSE, Plot 5A John Babiiha Avenue, Kololo, P.O. Box 426, Kampala, Uganda and Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), Plot 19-21 Port Bell Road, P.O Box 7187, Nakawa Kampala. Both venues have amble parking space and are centrally located.
For those who will study online, special practical sessions will be conducted at the above two study centres and five regional centres across the country at agreed times with the trainees/learners in those regions.
Program Structure
| Course Code | Course Name | LH | PH | TH | CH | CU |
| All Course Units are Core | ||||||
| PGCDL 5101 | DIGITAL LITERACY FOUNDATIONS FOR LAWYERS | 15 | 15 | 15 | 30 | 2 |
| PGCDL 5102 | PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS FOR LEGAL PRACTICE | 15 | 15 | 15 | 30 | 2 |
| PGCDL 5103 | DIGITAL COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION | 15 | 15 | 15 | 30 | 2 |
| PGCDL 5104 | CYBERSECURITY IN LEGAL PRACTICE | 15 | 15 | 15 | 30 | 2 |
| PGCDL 5105 | DIGITAL CONTENT CREATION & LEGAL ADVOCACY | 15 | 15 | 15 | 30 | 2 |
| PGCDL 5106 | EMERGING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR LEGAL PRACTICE | 15 | 15 | 15 | 30 | 2 |
| PGCDL 5107 | CAPSTONE – DIGITAL LAW INNOVATION SHOWCASE | 15 | 15 | 15 | 30 | 4 |
| Total Certificate Load | 16 | |||||
Key
LH = Lecture Hours PH = Practical Hours
TH = Tutorial Hours CH = Contact Hour(s)
CU = Credit Units 1 LH = 2 PH = 2 TH = 1 CH
1 CU = 15 CH
Academic Staff
S/ N | NAME | ACADEMIC RANK/FIRM POSITION | QUALIFICATIONS | AREAS OF SPECIALISATION |
| A | SELECTED TRAINERS: EXPERTS IN DIGITAL SKILLS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS | |||
| 1 | Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba | Professor | PhD in Computer Science (University of Bergen) Master of Science in Computer Science (University of Bergen) Master of Science in Mathematics (Makerere University) Post Graduate Diploma in Analyzing Linear Programming Models (University of Trondheim) Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) (Makerere University) | Machine Learning; Artificial Intelligence; Data Science and Analytics; Computer Science; Information Systems Planning, Design, Development and Deployment; ICT for development; Change management; Performance Management; Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL); Policy and Strategy Development; Consultancy and Advisory Services. |
| 2 | Prof. Fred Paul Mark Jjunju | Professor | PhD in Electrical Engineering and Electronics (University of Liverpool, UK) Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) Bachelor of Information Technology (Makerere University) | ICT, computer applications, information systems, information technology, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Analytics. |
| 3 | Prof. Johnnie Wycliffe Frank Muwanga-Zake | Professor | PhD in Digital Media (University of Kwazulu-Natal) Master of Education (Rhodes University) Master of Science (Rhodes University) Postgraduate Diploma in Education(Rhodes University) Postgraduate Certificate in Education (The National University of Lesotho) Bachelor of Education (Rhodes University) Bachelor of Science (Makerere University) | Information Systems, Digital Media, Educational Technology, ICT in Education, E-Learning Systems. |
| 4 | Prof. Jegrace Jehopio Peter | Associate Professor | PhD in Applied Computer Science (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki TT 54006 Thessaloniki, Greece Master of Education (Makerere University) Master of Science in Computer Science (Cranfield Institute of Technology Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Makerere University) Bachelor of Science in Mathematics/Statistics (University of Dar es salaam) | Applied Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics, Educational Technology, ICT Integration in Education, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Analytics. |
| 5 | Dr. Philip Ouma Ayoo | Senior Lecturer | PhD in Information Systems (Makerere University) Master of Philosophy in Information Sciences (Library and Information Studies) (Moi University) Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences (Moi University) | Information Systems, Library and Information Science, Knowledge Management, ICT for Development, ICT applications. |
| 6 | Dr. Stuart Ssemujju | Senior Lecturer | PhD Degree in Software Engineering in the School of Software Engineering, (South China University of technology, Guangzhou, China) Master's Degree in Computer Applications Technology ( Shenyang Aerospace University, Liaoning, China) Bachelor of Science Degree in Software Engineering (Makerere University) | Software Engineering, Computer Networks, Automated Software Testing, Evolutionary Computation, Artificial Intelligence. |
| 7 | Khabusi Simon Peter | Senior Lecturer | PhD focusing on Artificial Intelligence at the National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT) Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering, Delhi Technology University B.Sc. in Computer Engineering, Busitema University | Systems administration, research and trainings, Artificial Intelligence (AI), including machine learning, deep learning, and big data analytics, as well as network engineering, information security, and IoT |
| 8 | Mary Komunte | Lecturer | Master of Information Technology (Makerere University) Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (Makerere University) Bachelor of Arts with Education (Makerere University) Diploma in Business Administration and Management (Makerere Institute for Social Development) | Information Technology, ICT in Education, Business Information Systems, Digital Literacy |
| 9 | Allan Ninyesiga | Lecturer | Master of Science in Computing (Computer Security) – Uganda Technology And Management University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Makerere University) | Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Security, Digital Forensics, ICT for Development, Digital literacy |
| 10 | Simon Peter Kabiito | Lecturer | Master of Science in Computing – (Computer Security Option)- Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU) Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Makerere University) | Mathematics for computing, Computer Vision, Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Computer Forensics, Risk Management, Digital Skills |
| 11 | Timothy Kivumbi | Lecturer | Master of Science in Computing (Computer Networks Option)- Uganda Technology and Management University Bachelor of Information Technology (Makerere University) | Computer Applications &Systems, Computer Networks, Network Security, Distributed Systems, Internet Technologies, ICT for Development |
| 12 | Florence Mirembe | Lecturer | Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science- Digital Library Learning (Oslo University College) Bachelor of Library and Information Science (Makerere University) | Digital Libraries, Information Management, Knowledge Organization, Library and Information Science |
| A: | SELECTED ADVOCATES WHO HAVE EXTENSIVELY USED DIGITAL SKILLS IN LEGAL PRACTICE | |||
| 1 | Dr. Erasma Demeris Rutechura | Senior Lecturer | PhD in Oil and Gas Law (Ocean University of China) LL.M Southampton Solent University, UK) DLP (the Law School of Tanzania) LL.B (Mzumbe University, Tanzania) | Natural Resources Law, Criminal Law, Petroleum Law (Oil and Gas), Commercial Law, Energy Law, Forestry Law, Mining Law and Policy, Environmental Law, Tourism Law. Investment Law |
| 2 | Dr. Shadat Ssemakula Mohamed Mutyaba | Senior Lecturer | PhD (Brunel, London) MPhil (Aberystwyth), LLM (Kingston, London) LPC (Inns of Court) LLB (Kingston, London) | Jurisprudence, Procedural Laws, Legal Methods, Legal Writing and Drafting, Constitutional Law, ADR |
| 3 | Kajja Timothy | Lecturer | LL.M (University of Dar Es Salaam) DLP (LDC) LL.B (UCU) | Computer Law, Cyber Crime, Sports Law, Regional Integration, Company Law. |
| 4 | Mr. Paul Mukiibi | Senior Partner, M/s. Mukiibi & Kyeyune Advocates Kampala- Uganda; Head of Department, Department of Law Reporting, Research and Law Reform, LDC, Kampala-Uganda | Masters in Higher Education Management and Administration Masters in International Trade, Policy and Law [MITPL]-Uganda Martyrs University [UMU], Nkozi MBA, Uganda Management Institute [UMI], Kampala LLM, Makerere University [Mak], Kampala DLP, Law Development Centre [LDC], Kampala LLB, Makerere University [Mak], Kampala CCNA, Makerere University [Mak], Kampala | International certifications in networking, computer applications, and intellectual property; AI readiness, electronic court case management systems, and the digitisation of court processes. |
| 5 | Mr. Edmond Babalanda | AI and Tech Lead at ALP East Africa Advocate, Courts of Judicature-Uganda | DLP, Law Development Centre LLB, Islamic University in Uganda | AI Governance; Data Privacy, and Digital Rights; Ethical AI policies; Data protection; Crafting robust frameworks, I excel in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and navigating complex legal landscapes. |
| 6 | Mr. Aziz Kitaka | Associate, Harmony Advocates. Executive Director, AdLegal International. | DLP, Law Development Centre LLB, Makerere University | Artificial Intelligence & the Law Data Protection & Privacy Law Digital Competition Law and Consumer protection Regulation of Emerging Technologies Technology Contracts & ICT Regulatory Compliance |
| 7 | Ms. Patience Ayesigye | Associate, Kiyn Advocates Founding Director, JurisScan | DLP, Law Development Centre LLB, Makerere University EUI AEL – HR, European University Institute, Italy LLM, Makerere University [Mak] (Ongoing) | LegalTech and AI Use in Legal Practice (automation, e-discovery, contract review) Data Protection & Privacy Law Competition & Antitrust Issues in Big Tech Human Rights & Ethical Implications of AI Digital Finance, FinTech & Crypto-Assets Regulation |
Fees per semester
The application fee is UGX 50,000. The consolidated tuition and functional fees for the whole certificate programme is UGX 1,000,000.
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