Makerere University School of Law has announced that Robert Kirunda, one of its lecturers, has been appointed as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), making him only the second Ugandan to join the world’s oldest arbitral tribunal.

The university hailed the appointment as a landmark achievement, describing it as both a personal milestone for Kirunda and a reflection of Uganda’s growing influence in international law. “His appointment underscores Uganda’s contribution to the global legal order,” the Law School said in a statement.

With this new role, Kirunda joins a distinguished panel of international legal experts entrusted with resolving some of the world’s most complex disputes — ranging from conflicts between states to high-stakes cases involving multinational corporations and global organisations.

Founded in 1899 and headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, the PCA provides arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms across a wide spectrum, including maritime boundary issues, investment disputes, environmental law, and human rights.

The tribunal remains a central pillar in the international justice system, complementing the work of the International Court of Justice and other Hague-based institutions.

Kirunda’s appointment not only elevates his personal profile but also strengthens Uganda’s standing in the global legal arena.