Over 100 LDC Students Protest Harsh Bar Exam Rules After Exam Failures

Over 100 students at the Law Development Centre (LDC) in Kampala have launched a protest against what they call unfair bar course examination rules following the recent release of results.

In a petition dated March 23 to the LDC Management Committee, the affected students challenge the rigid application of rules on supplementary exams and course repetition. They invoke Rule 29 and Rule 34(3), urging management to issue orders relaxing these provisions for justice.

The core issue revolves around Rule 17(2), which allows supplementary exams for failing up to two Category A subjects. However, Rules 21(5) and 21(6) deem failure in three Category A subjects as total course failure, barring supplements and requiring full repetition.

Students describe this as overly harsh, especially for those who narrowly missed passes in just a few papers while succeeding in most. They highlight inconsistencies, such as allowances for retaking specific papers in mixed failures but not for three Category A fails.

“This framework treats marginal failure as overall failure, denying remedial opportunities,” the petition argues, noting the impact on many students’ progress and strain on the institution.

Among demands are waiving Rules 21(5) and 21(6), allowing supplements for failed Category A subjects, or repeating only those subjects. The group stresses they aim to uphold standards through proportionate rule application and humane discretion.

Petitions have also gone to the Attorney General, Uganda Law Society, and Parliament. LDC management was unavailable for comment.

LDC is Uganda’s sole provider of the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, essential for legal practice and court representation.

Source: Daily Monitor