National Moot Court Champions: UDSM Law Students Set to Represent Tanzania in African Finals
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
A team of exceptional law students from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has claimed first place in the prestigious National Moot Court Competition, securing the honour of representing Tanzania at the African Moot Court Championship scheduled for November 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The winning team comprising Warren Mnzava, Rosemary Chondi, and Saddam Hussein, all second-year Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) students outshone competitors from seven other universities in a contest that tested their mastery of legal reasoning, advocacy, and courtroom procedure. Their victory marks another milestone in UDSM’s impressive legacy in legal education and competitive mooting.
The continental championship will bring together the brightest legal minds from across Africa to argue cases grounded in key issues of human rights, constitutional law, and regional jurisprudence.
Dr. Petro Protas, UDSM’s Moot Court Coordinator, lauded the students for their exceptional performance, describing their win as a testament to the university’s sustained excellence in legal training.
“I congratulate our students for lifting the university’s flag to greater heights. This is the third consecutive year we’ve won the national title, and we have consistently reached the semi-finals at the continental level. Such achievements reflect the quality of our academic preparation and the resolve of our students”, said Dr. Protas.
He also highlighted the broader educational value of moot court competitions, noting their role in bridging theory and practice.
“Moot courts are more than just academic exercises; they simulate real-world legal proceedings and equip students with advocacy skills essential for their future careers. Representing Tanzania on the continental stage is an enormous responsibility, but I have every confidence in this team,” Dr. Protas added.
This year’s national contest featured strong representation from eight Tanzanian universities, including Tumaini University Makumira, the University of Dodoma, Saint Augustine University of Tanzania, Ruaha Catholic University, Muslim University of Morogoro (MUM), Catholic University of Mbeya (CUoM), and Moshi Cooperative University (MoCU). Each institution fielded a three-member team, but it was UDSM that ultimately emerged triumphant.
The victory has sparked excitement across UDSM’s School of Law, with many students expressing pride and inspiration drawn from their colleagues' success.
Reflecting on the journey, Rosemary Chondi noted, “It has been an intense but incredibly rewarding experience. We are proud to represent UDSM and Tanzania. This victory validates our hard work and fuels our commitment to excel at the continental level.”
Saddam Hussein, another team member, emphasised the motivational impact of support from university leadership. “What pushed me was seeing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. William Anangisye, having breakfast with past winners. That kind of recognition made me say, ‘Next time, that will be me.’ Now, here we are; and we promise to give it our all.”
As the team gears up for the African Moot Court Championship in Nairobi, the university has pledged full academic and logistical support to ensure the students are well-prepared to compete among the continent’s elite.
This latest triumph reaffirms the University of Dar es Salaam’s standing as a powerhouse of legal scholarship, where theory is matched by practical excellence and where tradition, talent, and tenacity continue to pave the way for regional and global impact.