INES-Ruhengeri Signs Strategic MoU with KIAC and 1000 Hills Solicitors to Advance Legal Education and ADR Practice

On 20 February 2026, INES-Ruhengeri formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC) and 1000 Hills Solicitors. The MoU was officially signed by Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya, Vice Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s continued efforts to strengthen practice-oriented legal education.

From the left: Dr Alfred Mwenedata (Dean-Faculty of Law), Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya [VC_INES Ruhengeri] and Me Victor Mugabe [Secretary General_KIAC] with his team member pose for a photo following the signing ceremony

The partnership establishes a collaborative framework centered on knowledge exchange, structured and inclusive internship opportunities, joint research initiatives, moot court activities, and community outreach programs. It reflects INES-Ruhengeri’s strategic vision of integrating academic excellence with professional exposure to better prepare students for the evolving demands of Rwanda’s legal and arbitration landscape.

Through collaboration with KIAC, Law students will gain valuable insight into arbitration and mediation procedures, institutional arbitration frameworks, and emerging trends in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Engagements with practitioners and exposure to real case management environments will enrich their academic learning with practical competence. Complementarily, the partnership with 1000 Hills Solicitors will facilitate hands-on internship placements, mentorship opportunities, moot court competitions, and collaborative legal research projects across various domains of law, including corporate and commercial practice.

The signing ceremony was followed by an interactive lecture by KIAC delivered to Law students, underscoring the increasing relevance of arbitration and mediation in modern dispute resolution systems. Students were encouraged to pursue professional excellence, uphold ethical standards, and embrace innovation in legal practice.

The signed MoUs represent a concrete step toward bridging theory and practice, reinforcing INES-Ruhengeri’s commitment to producing competent, ethical, and practice-oriented legal professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to Rwanda’s justice sector and the broader regional legal community.

Established to support both domestic and international arbitration, KIAC provides a neutral and reliable platform for resolving commercial and investment disputes through arbitration, mediation, and other ADR mechanisms. By promoting efficiency, confidentiality, and enforceability of arbitral awards, KIAC plays a pivotal role in strengthening Rwanda’s business environment and enhancing investor confidence.

Meanwhile, 1000 Hills Solicitors is a reputable Rwandan law firm dedicated to delivering high-quality legal services across a broad spectrum of practice areas. The firm provides advisory and representation services in corporate law, commercial transactions, and dispute resolution, combining strong legal expertise with practical, client-focused solutions—an approach that aligns closely with INES-Ruhengeri’s mission of fostering professionalism and applied legal competence.

1000 Hills Solicitors representative and the Vice Chancellor of INES Ruhengeri