Africa-Press – Rwanda. This year’s top performers from the University of Rwanda’s School of Law have been awarded fully sponsored scholarships to pursue a postgraduate diploma in legal practice at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD).
Josiane Uwihirwe and Frederick Kwihangana, who topped their class at this year’s UR graduation, will begin their studies at the Nyanza-based law school in January 2026. ILPD’s diploma is one of the requirements for legal practice in Rwanda.
Erick Shirimpumu, Vice Rector in charge of Finance and Administration at ILPD, interacts with recent UR graduates who received scholarships to study at ILPD
For Uwihirwe, the top female performer, the scholarship marks the beginning of her dream career.
“I really appreciate this scholarship from ILPD. It gives me a solid entry into the legal profession,” Uwihirwe told The New Times. “I have always dreamed of becoming a lawyer and an advocate. This is an incredible opportunity to shape my career and live my dreams. It is the foundation of my professional journey.”
Josiane Uwihirwe and Frederick Kwihangana, who topped their class at this year’s UR graduation, will begin their studies at the Nyanza-based law school in January 2026
Kwihangana, the top male graduate, echoed her joy, emphasizing that academic excellence truly opens doors.
“Graduating top of my class has given me this chance to continue to the postgraduate diploma in legal practice, which is required for every legal practitioner in Rwanda. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I will keep working hard because I have seen that excellence pays off,” he said.
More than 9,500 students graduated from UR this year. 90 graduated from the School of Law.
Since its introduction in 2023, ILPD’s scholarship initiative has supported six top performers from the University of Rwanda.
According to Aimé Muyoboke Karimunda, Rector of ILPD, the initiative not only rewards academic performance but also seeks to strengthen the country’s justice system.
“These awards honor hard work and outstanding performance, while also reminding students that becoming a fully qualified lawyer requires completing ILPD’s Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice,” he said. “The goal is to motivate students to pursue excellence and ensure that future legal professionals are well-prepared to serve society.”
He added that the programme is a result of the agreement between ILPD and UR.
Karimunda highlighted that ILPD plans to expand the scholarships to other universities offering law degrees.
“We aim to widen access and create more opportunities for outstanding graduates nationwide. Developing competent and ethical legal practitioners is essential to strengthening legal practice in Rwanda and beyond,” he said.
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