‘Think Globally as Legal Profession Transcends Borders’, Minister Kikwete Urges Law Students
By Renancy Remmy, CMU
The Minister of State in the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance, Hon. Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete (MP), has urged University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) law students to embrace discipline, innovation and patriotism while developing the skills and global perspective needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected legal profession.
He made the call during the University of Dar es Salaam School of Law (UDSoL) Career Day 2026 held at the New Library Auditorium under the theme, “Bridging Career Trajectories: Adapting to Domestic and International Legal Practice.”
Speaking as Guest of Honour and as an alumnus of the School of Law, Hon. Kikwete described his return to the institution as a meaningful homecoming and challenged students to prepare for a legal landscape that increasingly demands both local expertise and international competence.
“It is a great honour and a deeply meaningful homecoming for me to stand before you today at the University of Dar es Salaam, and in particular at the School of Law. Returning to this institution is a return to the place that shaped my intellectual foundation, professional discipline and public service journey,” he said.
Hon. Kikwete noted that globalization, technological advancement and shifting market dynamics are rapidly transforming the legal profession, creating opportunities and challenges that require lawyers to be adaptable and globally competitive.
“The legal profession is no longer confined by physical boundaries. Today, the market demands professionals who are deeply rooted in domestic realities while also being exceptionally agile in the international arena,” he said.
He identified discipline, innovation and patriotism as the three pillars of a successful legal career, emphasizing that integrity, professionalism and excellence remain indispensable for long-term credibility and impact.
He further encouraged students to actively participate in moot court competitions, legal aid programmes, mentorship initiatives, essay competitions and other extracurricular activities that enhance practical skills and employability.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing government efforts to strengthen access to justice, modernize the judiciary, advance criminal justice reforms, expand alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and improve legal and regulatory frameworks that support investment and national development.
According to Hon. Kikwete, legal professionals will be instrumental in advancing Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 through their contributions to good governance, investment promotion, trade facilitation, digital transformation, protection of human rights and institutional accountability.
Graduates with meaningful contributions in their professional careers
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic, Prof. Rose Upor, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also equipped to make meaningful contributions in their professional careers.
She described the theme of the Career Day as timely, noting that the modern legal environment requires graduates who can adapt to changing realities while remaining innovative and globally aware.
“Career Day serves as an important platform for engagement between students, academia, government and the legal profession. Through such platforms, students are encouraged to think boldly about their future and prepare for the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead,” said Prof. Upor.
Earlier, the Dean of the School of Law, Dr. Laurean Mussa, said the event reflects the School’s commitment to preparing students beyond classroom learning by exposing them to practical experiences, mentorship opportunities and professional networks.
“Legal education is not confined to the classroom alone; it is also about preparing our students for purpose, service, leadership and the realities of professional life,” he said.
Dr. Mussa added that Career Day serves as a bridge between academic training and professional practice by providing students with direct interaction with experienced legal practitioners, policymakers and industry leaders.
Remaining competitive and relevant
The President of the University of Dar es Salaam Law Society (UDLS), Mr. Emmanuel Mbilinyi, said the event was inspired by concerns frequently raised by law students about how to remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing legal environment.
Drawing from his experience representing Tanzania at the All-Africa ICRC Moot Court Competition, he encouraged fellow students to continuously seek opportunities that broaden their exposure and strengthen their professional capabilities.
“The question is no longer simply how to become a lawyer, but how to remain relevant,” he said.
Representatives from government institutions, private legal practice, development organizations and other stakeholders who participated in the Career Day echoed the importance of practical skills, adaptability, professionalism and lifelong learning.
They encouraged students to take advantage of internships, mentorship programmes, legal aid activities and networking opportunities to gain practical exposure beyond the classroom.
The stakeholders also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the development of future legal professionals through mentorship, industry engagement and capacity-building initiatives aimed at preparing graduates for both domestic and international legal practice.
The Career Day reaffirmed the University of Dar es Salaam’s commitment to nurturing competent, ethical and globally competitive legal professionals capable of driving national development and responding effectively to emerging legal and governance challenges in a rapidly evolving world.