Among the eight new partners, the biggest acquisitions are Elison Karuhanga and Zulaika Mirembe Kasajja who have been partners at Karuhanga, Kasajja & Company Advocates. Mr Elison now joins his father, Elly Karuhanga, at KAA. He garnered national attention during last year's former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi's presidential election petition at the Supreme Court, which challenged President Museveni's election. Mr Karuhanga also worked at Ashurst on the energy practice side. He represents the wealthy Madhvani family.

Other promotions

Others promoted to partnership from within KAA are Jet John Tumwebaze, Augustine Obilil Idoot, and Bruce Musinguzi; as well as associate partners Isaac Newton Kyagaba, Dennis Otatiina and Pearl Nyakabwa. Managing partner David Mpanga said the eight partners were taking up stewardship at a firm that aspires to provide leadership in the East African region. ‘We are on course to sustain our vision of being leaders in the legal services market and a world-class law firm of choice in the East African region. We trust that they will bolster the firm through their hard work and diligence.’

'Renewed energy'

Peter Kabatsi, a senior partner at KAA, said the firm was pleased to announce the infusion of "renewed energy." Similarly, Elly Karuhanga, another senior partner said the new hires would bring ‘fresh energy into the firm,’ and would ‘positively and profoundly change the character of our firm, KAA.’

The beginning

KAA was established in 2001 following a merger of four major legal firms. Founding partners were Bart Katureebe, a former attorney general and now chief justice, Sam Mayanja, who served as secretary of the Uganda Development Bank, Oscar Kambona, who headed and managed the Uganda Tax Bureau and Elly Karuhanga, an honorary consul general of the Republic of Seychelles to Uganda.

Presidential client

KAA has defended the election of President Museveni in the Supreme court in 2001, 2006 and 2016 and also in a suit filed by exiled Ugandan journalist, Dr Jesse Mashate who accused the President in his individual capacity of causing him loss of business.