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What the team is known for
Market-leading practice in alliance with Norton Rose Fulbright. Provides additional expertise for the Rwandan and Burundian markets through its branch in Bujumbura. Experienced in cross-border mandates with expertise in project finance. Advises well-known clients in the energy, financial and infrastructure sectors. Possesses additional strength in contentious matters and employment law.
Strengths
Clients are impressed by the team's support on corporate issues: "They have very good vision on how to deal with commercial agreements between commercial partners and provided accurate counsel regarding deals," and add that its advice is "led by a will for completion."
A long-standing client calls the practice "among the best law firms in Uganda to work with," while another source reported that the firm "not only delivered excellent quality of work but were also great guys."
Work highlights
Advised a number of lenders, including Stanbic Bank, Standard Bank of South Africa, Stanbic Bank Uganda, CDC Group, FMO and the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, on a USD6 million and UGX32.4 billion syndicated facility to M-Kopa Uganda.
Notable practitioners
Senior partner Alan Shonubi is a founding partner of the firm. He is a well-respected and recognised senior statesman in this market, where peers continue to note his presence across the table. "He is still the face of the firm," comment interviewees, who regard him highly for his experience in the corporate and commercial arena.
Andrew Kibaya is "recommended as a go-to lawyer," with clients finding him "very conscientious and very client-oriented." He is praised as "experienced, dynamic to the business needs and also very engaging," with noted strengths in the banking and finance sector.
Innocent Kihika is recognised by sources as "the go-to guy for energy law in his firm." Interviewees highlight his expertise in the electricity sector and respect his ability in projects and other transactional matters. As head of the energy and infrastructure department, he is also experienced in advising on significant mandates in the oil and gas sector.
An "expert deal maker," Noah Edwin Mwesigwa has an established reputation for his significant track record in M&A, banking transactions and project finance. He is praised by commentators for his approach: "When he's on a deal, he's deeply involved and takes the lead." Clients add that he is "very approachable, with good, strong gravitas."
