UW Moot Bootcamp 2025 Overview
The Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Court Competition Bootcamp serves as a preparatory platform for registered teams participating in the competition. It aims to enhance participants’ understanding of privacy law, moot court advocacy skills, and competition procedures.
The primary aim of the Bootcamp is to equip mooters with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Court Competition. Through interactive sessions, participants will receive guidance on crafting effective written and oral submissions, understanding relevant legal principles, and mastering advocacy techniques.
Introduction to Data Protection and Privacy
Date Held: 13th May 2025 | 2:00 - 5:00pm
Overview
Participants were introduced to the concepts of privacy, data protection, and the risks of digital surveillance. The bootcamp emphasized the importance of laws and frameworks regulating personal data in East Africa, including national legislation and international instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Malabo Convention. Key speakers highlighted the evolving nature of privacy rights, the importance of encryption and cybersecurity, and the growing need for harmonized regional data protection standards.
The competition structure was also outlined, with national rounds across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, leading to a regional stage. Mooters were instructed to use unique identifiers instead of university names and to study relevant laws and hypothetical cases. The program highlighted how privacy laws are applied in moot courts, encouraging participants to engage with real-world legal disputes involving surveillance and data breaches. Overall, the bootcamp served as both a training ground and an awareness initiative on the critical role of privacy and data protection in the digital age.
Session Recording
Written Submissions
Date Held: 14th May 2025 | 2:00 - 5:00pm
Overview
Moderated by Freda Nalumansi, Head of the Unwanted Witness Moot Secretariat, this session focused on memorial writing for the Unwanted Witness Moot Court Competition 2025. It aimed to build participants’ skills in legal research, memorial drafting, and argument structuring. Freda emphasized the importance of memorials in demonstrating legal reasoning, teamwork, and research capacity, as well as their impact on team progression and award opportunities. The session covered formatting rules, citation standards, and competition guidelines—including the 10-page limit and color coding based on participant roles.
Key legal topics included privacy concerns in biometric ID systems, especially the risks they pose to vulnerable groups. David elaborated on legal research methods, emphasizing the use of primary sources and jurisdiction-specific authorities, while Rufaro addressed citation techniques and writing clarity. The facilitators also discussed resolving conflicts between legal authorities and encouraged the use of AI and structured editing tools to improve writing. The bootcamp concluded with reminders about memorial submission deadlines and a follow-up session on oral presentation and litigation skills.
Session Recording
Oral Submissions
Date Held: 15th May 2025 | 2:00 - 5:00pm
Overview
The third session of the Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot 2025 Bootcamp (held May 13–15, 2025), focused on oral advocacy and courtroom etiquette. Facilitators from Zimbabwe and Uganda, including Alan Manenji, Peter Ahabwe, and Freda Nalumansi, led participants through the fundamentals of oral presentation, litigation techniques, and professional courtroom conduct. Key topics included structuring oral arguments, responding to judges, using persuasive techniques, managing time effectively, and maintaining professionalism and decorum.
Participants were trained on preparing for moot problems using legal frameworks like IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion), anticipating opposing arguments, and using memorials as guides rather than scripts. Emphasis was placed on listening actively, handling judge interruptions with composure, and presenting persuasive closing arguments. The session also touched on team dynamics, the role of coaches, and the importance of proper attire and courtroom behavior. Freda reiterated that strong memorials are crucial for progressing in the competition and reminded participants to follow competition rules strictly.