The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) legal department, actively represented by Ms. Brownie Ebal from the Kampala Water legal department, participated in the 28th East Africa Law Society and Annual Conference held in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Under the theme, “One Region, One People: The Role of the Law and the Legal Profession in Defining the Future of the East African Community”, the three-day event served as a platform for legal professionals across the region to discuss the role of the law and the profession in accelerating development in the East African Community.
Notably, this year’s Annual Conference and General Meeting brought together over 600 lawyers from across East Africa to discuss business, create networks, and get updated on the latest trends and developments in the profession.
The conference also featured a diverse range of activities catering to various aspects of the legal profession. Among the notable events were the 2nd ILFA Banking and Finance Academy, offering insights into the intricacies of financial law. Additionally, there were forums specifically tailored for in-house counsel, young lawyers, and women lawyers, each addressing unique challenges and opportunities within their respective domains. This comprehensive lineup ensured that participants could engage in specialized discussions, fostering a holistic and inclusive approach to legal discourse at the conference.
The prestigious event received an honor as the President of the Supreme Court of Burundi, featuring other luminaries such as Hon. Justice David Kenani Maraga-Chief Justice Emeritus of Kenya, Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera-Judge President of the East African Court of Justice, Hon. Dr. Justice Michael Mtambo-Appellate Division judge of the COMESA Court; and Dr. Bishop David Oginde-Chairperson of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
The panelists at the conference elevated the expertise of East Africa Law Society (EALS) members across a spectrum of crucial topics with their discussions tapping into; trade and investment, Environmental, Social, and Governance considerations, the intersection of AI and the law, dispute resolution within the African Free Continental Trade Area, principles of good governance and accountability, the crucial role of the law and legal professionals, sovereign debt dynamics, international arbitration in the mining sector, transparency in extractive industries, and the complexities of cross-estate planning.
In her maiden speech, Ms. Ebal acknowledged management’s continuous support for the ongoing education of its lawyers adding that the commitment to professional development enhances their skills and knowledge.
It is important to note that capacity building such as the Annual East Africa Law Society Conference, is invaluable for the NWSC legal team as it ensures teams to be informed and up-to-date with evolving legal trends, hence contributing to the discourse on pertinent legal issues, and fostering a culture of learning and professional growth within the organization.
