By Irene Best Nyapendi

Jemimah Jehopio, an accomplished graduate of Uganda Christian University (UCU), has emerged as the most exceptional graduate at the 50th Law Development Centre (LDC) graduation ceremony.

With an impressive collection of awards that included the prestigious Director’s List, LDC/Agaba Muhairwe Prize, and Inspector General of Government Award, Jehopio left no doubt that she had soared above her peers at the Kampala campus graduation held on June 23.

Overwhelmed with joy and delight, Jehopio expressed her excitement upon receiving the highest number of awards at the graduation ceremony. “I am extremely thrilled to receive these awards; they represent the fulfilment of my dreams. These accolades acknowledge my dedication and are pivotal for my future career endeavours,” said Jehopio, her eyes, gleaming with joyful pride.

Jehopio’s journey through LDC was not for the faint of heart. It demanded her time, energy, and unwavering commitment. But she approached it with an unwavering determination to give it her all. Having traversed the world of theory during her undergraduate years at the UCU School of Law, LDC became her gateway to unravelling the intricacies of the law, transforming her into a true legal professional.

“At LDC, I had the privilege to apply the theories I acquired during my undergraduate studies through seminar sessions, court visits, and interactions with government agencies, enabling me to witness firsthand how the law operates,” explained Jehopio.

A beacon of inspiration, Jehopio fervently urges fellow students embarking on the same journey to seize every opportunity that comes their way. She knows all too well the whispers of doubt that can cloud one’s path, but she advocates for silencing those voices and embracing steady self-belief. “As students, we must exercise unwavering self-discipline. When the weight of work threatens to overwhelm us, it is in those moments that we must push harder, challenge ourselves, and remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence,” Jehopio advised, her words infused with the wisdom of experience.

Jehopio attributes her victory to the unwavering emotional and financial support from her parents throughout the demanding and costly journey at LDC. Currently working as an advocate at Sebalu & Lule Advocates Law Firm, Jehopio expresses her deep passion for teaching and plans to pursue a career in academia.

Receiving a congratulatory call from UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, further amplified Jehopio’s joy in recognition of her remarkable achievements. Prior to achieving First Class Honors in Bachelor of Laws at UCU, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry from Makerere University.

Jehopio has also been the recipient of numerous awards, including the John H. Jackson Moot Court 2020, the National Disability Rights Moot Court 2019, the Nuremberg Moot Court 2019, and the Uganda National Mathematics Contest 2015.

Furthermore, she has held significant leadership positions, including Guild Vice President and Guild Minister of Education and Sports at UCU, as well as Firm Leader at the Law Development Centre.

UCU Graduates top LDC list in 2023

In the Law Development Center final examination results released a few months ago this year, students who graduated from Uganda Christian University (UCU) topped the list of first-class graduates.

Out of the total number of 20 first-year students from the bar course, at least nine had gone through UCU’s law school. The rest, according to the list were from across the universities.

Among the first classes, the top four were all from UCU. The nine include Emmanuel Okia with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.90, Shamira Kitimbo with 4.80, Reagan Ahumuza with 4.75, and Jemimah Jehopio with a CGPA of 4.70. Others are Ernest Ayesiga with a 4.55, Samuel Odiye with a 4.50, Josephine Namagembe with a 4.40, and Martha Uwizeye with a 4.40.