100 legal practitioners will next week be conferred with post-graduate diplomas during the inaugural graduation ceremony of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD).

Graduates include lawyers, prosecutors and judges who have already been practicing in the country’s judicial system.

In an interview with The New Times, the ILPD Rector, Vastina Nsanze, said the graduands have acquired the practical skills needed for professional practice.

"After they acquired the theoretical part in their respective universities, we focus at providing practical skills,” Nsanze said.

She noted there is need for legal practitioners to acquire practical skills if they are to serve effectively.

"Among others, they get skills in court practice where they are exposed to court proceedings for experience,” she said.

The graduates will also include those who completed studies since the institute was initiated in 2008.

Philbert Nkuranga, an advocate currently undertaking a short term course at the institute, conceded that theoretical knowledge is just a primary step for a legal practitioner.

"Unless a jurist has practical capacity to handle and solve issues, he can never serve effectively,” Nkuranga said.

The Government established ILPD to support the implementation of judicial reforms that started in 2003.

In addition to offering post graduate diplomas in Legal Practice, it also offers continuing legal education to public notaries, court clerks and bailiffs among others.

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