Nuwamanya: Makerere’s best law student on Harvard Law School radar

There is no doubt that RAYMOND JERRY NUWAMANYA is a name going to be talked about in the legal profession for years to come.

Him, along with Allan Aijuka, attained an extremely rare first- class degree, with Nuwamanya being the best law student at Makerere University in 2025. In spite of his laidback personality, something some people find reclusive, his achievements mark him out as a generational legal genius.

At the moment, he is pursuing his postgraduate diploma in law at the Law Development Centre (LDC), a hurdle he continues to overcome with determination, writes Geofrey Serugo.

Nuwamanya’s journey to becoming Makerere University’s best law student in 2025 is a compelling story of ambition, resilience and evolving dreams shaped by both circumstance and conviction.

The first-born in a family of three, Nuwamanya is the son of Julius Namara Kafureka and Shakilah Birungi Namara, who hail from Kitagata in Sheema district. From an early age, his academic brilliance was evident.

He began his education at Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School in Mengo, where he excelled in his PLE, scoring an impressive aggregate of five. His academic journey continued at St Mary’s College Kisubi, where he pursued both his O-level and A-level education.

At O-level, he obtained 15 aggregates, and at A-level, he scored 16 points in Physics, Economics, and Mathematics, a combination that clearly pointed toward a future in engineering.

FROM ENGINEERING DREAMS TO LAW

For much of his early life, Nuwamanya envisioned himself as an engineer. His strong performance in science subjects reinforced this ambition, and he eventually secured admission to Kyambogo University to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

However, beneath his scientific strengths lay an equally powerful aptitude for the arts. His performance in subjects such as History and Literature stood out, gradually prompting him to reconsider his career path.

This internal shift was further influenced by his uncle, Dr Hussein Rugaba Kashillingi, a legal professional whose career embodied a path Nuwamanya began to admire and aspire toward. A defining moment came during his A-level years when he participated in the World Scholars Cup Global Round in Beijing, China.

There, he excelled in debate, an experience that exposed him to the power of structured argument, persuasion and critical thinking. It was at this point that his passion for law began to take root.

TURNING POINT

In 2021, Nuwamanya sat for and passed the highly competitive pre-entry examinations for Makerere University School of Law, one of the most rigorous selection processes in the country.

“Passing pre-entries felt like confirmation that law was meant for me,” he recalls.

Initially, his interest in law was partly influenced by the perceived financial rewards associated with the profession. However, as he progressed through his studies, his perspective evolved significantly.

“Along the way, I developed a deep passion for human rights, pro bono services and social justice; areas that may not always be as lucrative but are vital for those who cannot access justice,” he explains.

A devoted Christian, Nuwamanya attributes much of his success to his strong support system, particularly his parents, who stood firmly behind him, even when he made the bold, last-minute decision to abandon engineering for law.

“They have supported and financed my dreams and positioned me in places where I could succeed,” he says.

He also credits a number of mentors and lecturers at Makerere School of Law who played a crucial role in shaping his academic and professional outlook.

Among them are Prof Joe Oloka Onyango, Dr Alimah Komuhangi, Jeffrey Suubi Kaddu, Raymond Mwebesa, Ferdinand Tumuhaise and John Jet Tumwebaze. Their guidance, he says, challenged him to think critically, aim higher and pursue excellence in all aspects of his studies.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND INTELLECTUAL GROWTH

Nuwamanya’s academic journey at Makerere was marked by consistent excellence and a growing intellectual curiosity.

Over time, he developed a keen interest in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), Intellectual Property law as well as Health and the Law, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health rights. His academic performance was outstanding.

In his second year, he achieved straight As in five core courses, Evidence Law, Law of Torts, Land Law, Administrative Law as well as Equity and Trusts, earning him a place on the vice chancellor’s list. A memorable moment came when Prof Oloka personally commended him.

“When Prof Oloka called me to his office and told me he had not seen straight As in some time, that is when I truly set my sights on a first-class degree,” he recalls.

By the time of his graduation, the number of first-class law graduates at Makerere had risen from 14 to 17, placing Nuwamanya among a select group of top performing students.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Nuwamanya’s university experience extended far beyond lectures and examinations. He actively sought opportunities to grow both academically and professionally.

He served as a research assistant to Prof Oloka, an experience that significantly sharpened his research and analytical skills. He also participated in moot court competitions, where he demonstrated exceptional advocacy abilities.

Notably, his team won the Best Applicant Memorial Award at the 2023 Inaugural Resolve 360 Arbitration Inter University Moot. Through the Rule of Law Club, where he served first as treasurer and later as chairperson, Nuwamanya engaged in community outreach programmes that deepened his commitment to justice and civic responsibility.

What’s more, under the Clinical Legal Education (CLE) programme and the Public Interest Legal Aid Clinic (PILAC), he worked with the Business Law Clinic. In this role, he delivered presentations to entrepreneurs, helping them understand their legal rights and responsibilities.

“These experiences allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real world challenges and improved my public speaking and engagement skills,” he says.

ADVICE TO ASPIRING LAWYERS

To current and aspiring law students, Nuwamanya offers simple but powerful advice; dream big and take advantage of every opportunity available.

“Makerere is a hub of opportunities. Engage in leadership, debate, moot court, research, and community outreach. Put yourself out there,” he advises.

He emphasizes that success in law school and beyond requires more than just academic ability. It demands initiative, resilience and a willingness to grow beyond one’s comfort zone.

Looking to the future, he has set his sights on further academic and professional advancement. He plans to pursue a postgraduate diploma in Tax and Revenue Administration at the East African School of Taxation, as well as professional qualifications with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Ultimately, his biggest dream is to earn a master of Laws from Harvard University, following in the footsteps of some of his role models like Tumuhaise.

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المصدر: The Observer (Uganda)