2013 marks a pivotal year for the Institute. We look back at our achievements over the past 15 years in Africa with a great sense of pride, determination and humility. We have worked towards building sustainable systems and capacity in law, governance, finance and project management across the African continent. Our work has taken us from local villages in Uganda to the mountains of Lesotho, across regional trading blocs in Africa and over to Singapore, Dubai and Malaysia—all towards fostering the development of the African continent through contextualized best practice and South-South dialogue. Over the years, we have seen beneficiaries of our early programmes assume leadership positions in the public and private sectors—in ministries, central banks, national and regional judiciaries and regional economic communities—to name a few, with a great sense of responsibility. But we know there is much left for our continent to achieve. It is with this appreciation that we embark upon 2013 with a concerted effort to build responsive and accountable African leadership, not only amongst working professionals, but commencing at the university level.

It is with great pride that ILI-ACLE announces the launch of its Pro Bono Career Development & Leadership Centre aimed to provide career guidance and tools for professional development to Ugandan law students. The Institute is also very pleased to commence its American Bar Association-approved partnership with the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (USA) and the Judiciary of Uganda in its first annual Law and Development Practicum and Externship Programme scheduled for May-July 2013. The programme aims to promote information sharing between US and Ugandan law faculty, cross-cultural dialogue and professional exchange between US and Ugandan law students, as well as an opportunity for law students to learn from and contribute to legal and judicial institutions in Uganda. These initiatives will bolster the Institute’s existing efforts to empower young African professionals to stand at the forefront on matters of global concern.

The work of the Institute would not be possible without the continued support of our partners. We are grateful for your contributions and look forward to serving you in 2013. We welcome you to explore our recent achievements and our 2013 programmes in Kampala, Dubai, Maseru and Zanzibar.