Martha is the Finance Manager and heads the Finance and administration team at signum advocates.She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Makerere University Business School and currently pursuing a certification from the ICPAU Board & a master’s degree in Business Administration at Makerere University business school.With 5 years’ experience in core Accounts and Finance Management and 2 years’ experience in office administration, Martha has had adequate exposure in both the public and private sectors.

Martha Kirabo

Makerere University Business School

International Business

Business Administration

Administrator

Juliet is the Finance and Administration assistant at signum advocates. She bridges finance and administration to ensure superior results for the practice while creating a meaningful experience for the execution of all firm activitiesCurrently enrolled for her final ACCA examinations.

Juliet C. Nabisere

Makerere University

Business Statistics

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Findlay is an administrator at Signum Advocates.She is an ambitious and dedicated person with a unique blend of experience in both law firm administration and business computing with four years of valuable experience at Signum Advocates.This experience has not only enhanced her organization and administrative skills, but also allowed her to witness firsthand the intersection of the law and technology.Findlay has been recognized with an innovative award while at the firm, this accolade is a testament to her unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and seeking novel solutions in a rapidly changing world where innovation is a driving force.

Findlay A. Abenaitwe

Business Computing

She is a dedicated and organized administrator with proven ability to support the efficient operation of legal practices by coordinating office activities and facilitating communication.Joan possesses excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

Joan Tumusiime

Racheal is a Senior Associate with the Firm. She majorly works with the Corporate, Tax, Banking and Finance departments of the firm. However, she supports the employment and dispute resolution practices from time to time.Racheal beams with a passion for legal practice and is an ambitious lawyer who possesses a vast wealth of knowledge that is evident in the solutions she provides to clients. Racheal provides day to day advisory to clients both national, regional and international clients. She stands out of the pack and this has been demonstrated by her result-oriented drive. Racheal has advised on one of Uganda’s M&amp;A transactions where Prudential Assurance Uganda Limited was acquiring the insurance business for International Air Ambulance (IAA).Racheal has a proven track record of providing indispensable advice and solutions to clients. She is a quick learner who can quickly absorb new situations and can communicate clearly and effectively with both legal professionals and members of the public. With this, Racheal has been seconded to some of the clients’ businesses to cater for the client’s legal needs and manage any legal crisis faced by the clients.Racheal is a core team member in the Corporate Governance Department of the Firm where she renders legal advisory to some of the boards of the clientele and manages board affairs.Racheal has a passion for International Criminal Law with a specific niche for financial and economic crime and with this, she is one of the few Ugandan young professionals that have had the privilege to pursue an internship with the United Nations Human Rights Committee in 2022.With her multifaceted skills and talents coined with her leadership skills, Racheal is an advocate for this generation. This has been recognized and endorsed by the legal fraternity in Uganda and Africa at large which have nominated her for the "Rising Star" and "Newcomers " Award by the Africa Legal Awards in 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. Racheal was also nominated by the Uganda Law Society as a "Rising Star" in August 2021.

Rachael K. Kembabazi

Uganda Christian University

Law Development Centre

Legal Practice (Bar Course)

Navigating the complexities of tax laws and regulations can be challenging for individuals and businesses. Our law firm offers comprehensive tax advisory services, assisting clients with tax planning, compliance, and structuring transactions to optimize tax efficiency. Additionally, we provide representation in tax disputes, helping clients resolve disagreements with tax authorities through negotiation, administrative appeals, or litigation

Navigating the complexities of tax laws and regulations can be challenging for individuals and businesses. Our law firm offers comprehensive tax advisory services, assisting clients with tax planning, compliance, and structuring transactions to optimize tax efficiency

Tax Advisory & Dispute Resolution

Our law firm offers a wide range of legal services in the field of banking and finance. We advise financial institutions, borrowers, and investors on regulatory compliance, lending transactions, debt restructuring, and project financing. With in-depth knowledge of the industry, we provide tailored solutions to help clients achieve their financial objectives while managing legal risks effectively

Our law firm offers a wide range of legal services in the field of banking and finance. We advise financial institutions, borrowers, and investors on regulatory compliance, lending transactions, debt restructuring, and project financing

Banking & Finance

<h1>EMPLOYMENT & PENSIONS PRACTICE</h1>Signum’s Employment and Pensions Practice is the leading employment specialized practice in Uganda. We advise both domestic and international clients to enable them to be legally compliant with the ever-changing labour law regime. Our offering includes a range of innovative tools and services to help meet clients’ needs on HR-related matters.We adopt a practical and business-focused approach in advising clients, so that the human resources and talent retention strategy of our clients is implemented in the most cost-effective manner, in compliance with the applicable laws, business policies and the ethics of the organization.Our Employment law experts work seamlessly with our tax advisory, M&A, Immigration, corporate and Regulatory Compliance Advisory and dispute resolution teams to provide a fully integrated service.<h1>Our services include:</h1><ol><li>Review of HR Manuals and Procedures:</li>We assist clients in drafting and reviewing employment documentation including, customised Human Resource Policies and employee handbooks, job offer letters and employment agreements, confidentiality agreements, IP assignment agreements, non-compete and non-solicit agreements, training bonds, consultancy agreements, secondment and deputation agreements, severance, and release agreements, etc.We have successfully incorporated industry best practices and customised our advice to the requirements of our clients. We reconcile the 'at-will' employment and 'work-for-hire' concepts with Uganda laws.<li>Labour Law Advisory:</li>We advise our clients on application and compliance with Uganda’s labour laws and the consequences of non-compliance. We have advised on matters related to local content obligations, workplace investigations and discipline management, employee benefits, superannuation/retirement benefits and provident funds, termination of employment and other numerous obligations of the employer.<li>Employment Trainings:</li>We offer in-house bespoke trainings on employment related issues to different clients. The team is dedicated towards ensuring the legal protection of our clients and pushing for the realization of their interests during each training.<li>Labour & industrial Relations disputes:</li>Our employment litigation team has successfully represented clients in numerous labour disputes and workers’ compensation claims before the Labour Office, Equal Opportunities Commission, Industrial Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. We also advise clients during the disciplinary hearing process to ensure compliance and limit litigation exposure. In addition to Court representation, our services also include advising clients on the litigation strategy, limiting financial exposure, drafting, and issuing legal notices, responding to legal notices, and drafting claim documents.<li>Employee Benefits & Compensation Structuring:</li>We advise our clients on the structuring of a tax-efficient compensation package as well as other applicable statutory deductions. Our team has technical expertise and experience to handle a full range of pension and retirement benefits schemes’ matters. We advise on setting up pension benefits, drafting of trust deeds and rules, registration of schemes and trustee advisory services to several retirement benefit schemes and their sponsoring employers.<li>Employment Termination & Disciplinary Hearings:</li>We advise clients on strategies for employment termination, collective terminations, restructuring, downsizing and reduction in force in cases of technological changes, business/organisational restructuring, and financial challenges. This includes guidance on regulatory compliance requirements. We also attend disciplinary hearings where we advise our clients on different compliance aspects.<li>Human Resource Audit (Legal):</li>We conduct periodic human resource legal audits for our clients. The audit typically encompasses appraisal of the level of compliance with applicable labour laws, taxation laws and corporate laws relating to hiring/ firing of employees, terms of employment, employee compensation, stock option plans, to name a few. The legal Human Resource audit enables us to suggest measures for legal process re-engineering.<li>Immigration & Global Mobility:</li>We assist international and local companies with immigration requirements associated with importing foreign skills and expatriates. Our immigration law assignments include advice to employers and employees who wish to come to Uganda on employment, deputation, or secondment.</ol><h3>Demonstrated Experience and Selected Clientele:</h3><ol><li>Association for Strengthening Agriculture in East and Central Africa Region (ASARECA):</li>We are retained Lawyers for ASARECA an intergovernmental organization with membership in over fifteen countries. We have reviewed and rendered advice on employment documentation including the Operations Manual and assist with reviewing/drafting employment contracts from time to time.<li>Africa Global Logistics:</li>We have advised Bollore on several mandates including, collective terminations, and staff restructures, negotiating and drafting collective bargaining agreements, managing forensic investigations, advising on disciplinary hearings and staff exits, representation in labour disputes.<li>Finance Trust Bank Limited:</li>We are retained to provide routine Employment law advisory and support, Rendering advisory in relation to disciplinary processes. We represent the bank in labour disputes before the Labour Office and Industrial Court. We have provided legal, regulatory, and transactional support in setting up the staff provident fund.<li>Stanbic Bank of Uganda Limited:</li>We have successfully represented the bank in numerous labour disputes before all labour courts and courts of judicature. We routinely render employment law advisory on a wide range of employment issues.<li>SolarNow Uganda Limited:</li>Retained legal counsel to provide legal and HR support to staff restructuring, advisory on employee terminal benefits arising out of business reorganization.<li>Compassion International:</li>Retained lawyers to render employment and immigration advisory and services such as securing working permits, reviewing of employment contracts and human resource policies.<li>Mengo Hospital:</li>We are retained legal counsel to Mengo hospital to provide employment and HR support. We have reviewed employment documentation, provided legal support to the internal disciplinary processes, advised on employee and terminal benefits, and represented the hospital in labour matters.<li>Uganda Baati Limited:</li>Reviewed and re-drafted its Human Resource Manual and Policies (2020 version). We also drafted new policies for the Client to adapt to the COVID-19 and post COVID-19 era. We have represented Uganda Baati in several labour disputes and provided routine employment advisory and trainings.<li>Makerere University Business School (MUBS):</li>We reviewed and re-drafted its Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual. We advised Uganda’s Premier Business School on its interactions with Uganda’s employment law in light of its unique situation as an entity that is governed primarily by the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act.<li>Healthy Entrepreneurs Uganda Limited:</li>We are retained lawyers for Healthy Entrepreneurs wherein we advise the Company on management of disciplinary hearings and exit of employees. We offer routine advisory on regular compliance issues in line with the Employment laws and regulations in Uganda.<li>Cairo Bank Uganda:</li>We have advised the Bank on management of employee restructures in light of structural changes in the Bank. We assisted the Bank in ensuring that it was able to notify the Commissioner of Labour, to adequately structure the compensation packages for the affected employees and ensure business continuity.<li>Samasource Uganda Limited:</li>We are retained to offer routine legal advisory to Samasource on employment related issues. We have advised them on single-employee restructures and also represented the Company before the Labour Office and the Industrial Court.<li>Technoserve Inc. Uganda:</li>We have advised Technoserve on structuring of their employment and consultancy contracts. We have also advised them and offered technical support on management of disciplinary hearings particularly advising on post-hearing procedures and applicable disciplinary sanctions. We have also offered technical support services on forensic audits and investigations into infractions committed by some employees.<li>Baylor Uganda School of Medicine:</li>We have offered training and capacity building services to Managers of Baylor Uganda on general employment law and specifically, management of Disciplinary hearings.<li>Federation of Uganda Employers Association (FUE):</li>We regularly facilitate trainings on Employment laws, trends and opportunities to the members of FUE. We keep employers abreast with the changing employment patterns in the market and ensure that we assist workplaces to remain compliant with the latest laws and decisions from the Industrial Court and other Courts of record.<li>Human Resource Managers Association of Uganda (HRMAU):</li>We regularly facilitate trainings on Employment laws, trends and opportunities to the members of HRMA. We keep HR Managers abreast with the changing employment patterns in the market and ensure that we assist workplaces to remain compliant with the latest laws and decisions from the Industrial Court and other Courts of record. We also facilitate conversations on reviews and legal audits for employee contracts and Human Resource Manuals.</ol><h3>Notable Briefs:</h3><ol><li>Advisory to SolarNow in a Business Restructure Involving more than 50 Staff:</li>Led by our Patson W. Arinaitwe, we advised SolarNow Uganda on conducting a legally compliant restructure of employees in the aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the resultant lockdown. This brief involved numerous townhall meetings with affected employees to discuss favorable compensation restructuring. It also entailed correspondences with government officials in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to notify them of the impending mass lay-offs of employees. We also advised on the justification for paying out particular retirement benefits and structuring the Benefits portfolio to align with the Company’s legal and tax obligations.<li>Advisory on Provident Fund Set-Up on behalf of Finance Trust Bank Limited:</li>We were instructed by the Bank to advise on the legal and regulatory landscape of setting up a retirement benefits scheme for its employees with a portfolio of more than 400 Million. Our Patson W. Arinaitwe and Racheal Kembabazi led the team that advised on the licensing requirements, the appointment and licensing of trustees and the onboarding of other service providers for the Fund such as Custodians, Fund Manager and Fund Administrator. This brief has positioned us as a key player in the arena of Retirement Benefits Law in Uganda.<li>Makerere University Business School: Human Resource Audit and Reviews:</li>Under the stewardship of our Alex Matovu, Racheal Kembabazi and Kansiime. M Taremwa, we advised Uganda’s Premier Business School on the recrafting of its human resource policies. It was a delicate project that required aligning the School’s Policies to its legal obligations under the Employment legal regime and those under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). This project also brought to the fore the delicate relationship between the employment laws and entities whose employees are typically under Uganda’s Public Service. We were able to develop a comprehensive manual to govern the potentially conflicting areas within the spectrum of employer-employee obligations within the context of a Public Higher Education Institution.</ol>

Our law firm specializes in employment and pension law, offering a range of services to both employers and employees. We advise clients on matters such as employment contracts, workplace policies, discrimination issues, and employee benefits

Employment & Pension

Lawyer

Horace is a Senior Associate with the Firm. Through out his professional career, Horace has amassed enviable leadership experience which has in turn cemented his ability to offer quick and ‘out of the box’ solutions to Clients with peculiar professionalism.He works majorly with the firm’s Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Teams, with specific expertise in Civil, Commercial and Employment Litigation, Local and International Arbitration and Debt Recovery. He also has a Certificate in Trial Advocacy – Justice Advocacy Africa & National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA-USA) and is a member of the Uganda Law Society and the East Africa Law Society

Horace Nuwasasira

When disputes arise, our law firm is equipped to handle all aspects of litigation and dispute resolution. We represent clients in civil litigation matters, such as contract disputes, intellectual property disputes, and commercial disputes. Our skilled litigators are dedicated to protecting our clients' interests and resolving conflicts efficiently through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or courtroom advocacy

When disputes arise, our law firm is equipped to handle all aspects of litigation and dispute resolution. We represent clients in civil litigation matters, such as contract disputes, intellectual property disputes, and commercial disputes

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Whether you are involved in a real estate transaction or facing construction-related issues, our law firm provides comprehensive legal support. We assist clients with property acquisitions, leasing agreements, development projects, zoning and land use matters, and construction contracts. Our experienced team helps clients navigate the complexities of real estate and construction laws, protecting their interests and ensuring successful outcomes

Whether you are involved in a real estate transaction or facing construction-related issues, our law firm provides comprehensive legal support

Real Estate & Construction

When individuals or businesses face financial distress, our law firm provides guidance and representation in insolvency matters. We assist clients with debt restructuring, bankruptcy proceedings, and asset recovery. Our goal is to help clients navigate the insolvency process efficiently while protecting their rights and interests

When individuals or businesses face financial distress, our law firm provides guidance and representation in insolvency matters

Insolvency & Debt Recovery

Taremwa is an Associate at the Firm and has been with us since July 2020. His practice focuses on Employment &amp; Compensation Structuring Advisory and Litigation &amp; Alternative Dispute Resolution.He joined the Firm as a Trainee as part of the fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Center and has since been retained as an advisory lawyer in the Employment and Employee Benefits Practice, Corporate and Commercial Practice, and Litigation and Dispute Resolution.

Kansiime M. Taremwa

Joel is an Associate at Signum Advocates.Joel also holds a Certificate in Introduction to Corporate Finance and a Certificate in Fundamentals of Credit from the Corporate Finance Institute. At the firm, Joel supports in a number of practice areas such as Corporate Finance, Data Protection and Privacy, Capital Markets and Securities and Technology,

Joel R. Mucunguzi

Institute of Corporate Governance, Uganda

Kampala Certificate in Corporate Governance

Our law firm specializes in intellectual property (IP) law and technology-related legal matters. We assist clients in protecting their IP assets through trademark registration, patent applications, and copyright protection. Additionally, we provide advice on technology licensing, data privacy, e-commerce, and telecommunications regulations to help clients effectively manage legal issues in the digital age

Our law firm specializes in intellectual property (IP) law and technology-related legal matters. We assist clients in protecting their IP assets through trademark registration, patent applications, and copyright protection

Intellectual Property, Technology & Telecoms

Our law firm offers legal services to clients in the media and entertainment industry, including film, television, music, publishing, and digital media. We assist with contract negotiations, intellectual property rights, licensing agreements, talent representation, and content distribution. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges of the industry and works closely with clients to protect their creative works and achieve their business goals

Our law firm offers legal services to clients in the media and entertainment industry, including film, television, music, publishing, and digital media

Media & Entertainment

Rehemah is an associate at Signum Advocates. She works with the Dispute Resolution Department Arbitration, Human Rights, Islamic financing, Employment law, Tax and Corporate advisory.

Rehemah Twine

<h1>Our Corporate and Commercial practice</h1> Our Corporate and Commercial practice provides a broad range of corporate and commercial advisory to a vast set of clients at the firm. These range from domestic to international clientele and include;<ul><li>Corporate Advisory and Regulatory Compliance</li><li>Capital Markets</li><li>Corporate Governance and Board Affairs</li><li>Mergers and Acquisitions</li></ul> Our Corporate and Commercial lawyers provide cost-effective and seamless solutions to our clients. We take time to understand our clients and each of their needs where the team then coins and provides tailored, practical and innovative advice to provide solutions and enable the client to achieve their objectives. Our team’s extensive experience in advising clients leverages our position as a unique and model firm of choice. Our Corporate and Commercial Department was recognised as the “Corporate Team of the year 2021” by the Uganda Law Society Awards. <h1>Our services include work relating to:</h1> <h3>A. Corporate Advisory and Regulatory Compliance</h3><ul><li>Prudential Assurance Uganda Limited</li> We are retained to render legal advisory to the client from time to time. This includes drafting and/or reviewing of all legal documentation and providing bespoke legal advisory. We have specifically drafted and negotiated a Service Level Agreement for Telemedicine services in the wake of innovation and technology between Prudential Assurance (U) Limited and the Medical Concierge Group and advised on all the legal aspects related to the said Agreement.<li>National Union of Coffee Agribusinesses and Farmers’ Enterprises (NUCAFE)</li> In 2021/2022, we were engaged to act for NUCAFE, a coffee Argo processing company and Not for profit entity, to restructure its not-for-profit entity in creation a social business and a profit-making arm of the business. We curved out the profit aspects of the Nonprofit and created a social business structure for the Client. The Client runs a 23 billion structure where the farmer ownership model, a patented model is used. We advised on the reorganization, drafted the asset purchase agreements, and advised on employee transfers. In 2019, we also acted for NUCAFE, a Coffee based Argo processing company, and advised on the Solar power project for their Plant in Namanve. The project was conducted by a Kenyan Company, and we assisted from the Due Diligence on the Kenyan Company to the commissioning of the Plant. We specifically negotiated and drafted and/or reviewed the turnkey EPC contracts (FIDIC Styled Contracts) and also rendered advisory on the tax implications for the importation of the solar panels and other accessories. We advise and represent NUCAFE from time to time regarding the propriety of its lease agreements, financing options agreements and structuring of their business enterprises including Franchising, distributorship and agency agreements with its business partners.<li>Swangz Avenue Limited</li> We are retained to provide legal advisory to the client from time to time. This entails the negotiation, drafting and/or review of contracts. We successfully advised on the contract between the client and Sony Entertainment PLC.<li>Healthy Entrepreneurs Uganda Limited</li> We are retained by Healthy Entrepreneurs Uganda Limited to offer routine legal advisory on commercial and contractual aspects, immigration, employment and regulatory compliance with regulatory requirements with the National Drug Authority and District Health Officials. Healthy Entrepreneurs is an Organisation whose trained health workers sell health care products and educate their customers from their own mini-pharmacies. Thanks to the efforts of these passionate entrepreneurs, isolated villages transform into strong, healthy, well-informed communities.<li>Liquid Intelligent Telecom</li> We have advised Liquid Intelligent Telecom on compliance with its obligations under the Uganda Communications Act and attendant regulations. We have advised it on its obligations to its clients as a service provider vis-a-vis its responsibility to the industry regulator.<li>Vine Pharmaceuticals Limited</li> We render legal advisory to Vine Pharmaceuticals on commercial and contractual aspects and its compliance with the National Drug Authority and other industry regulators. We have also advised Vine on managing tax obligations and liability to the Uganda Revenue Authority.<li>Pathfinder International</li> We acted as external legal counsel for Pathfinder International, a US-based non-profit organization concerned with sexual-reproductive health rights on funding and grants agreements, procurements matter, employment and employee rights and given general legal advisory in a score of practice areas.<li>Mengo Hospital</li> We are retained to render legal advisory to the Hospital and routinely review agreements with its service providers, contractors and its employees to ensure that the Hospital’s risks and liabilities are covered.</ul><h3>B. Capital Markets</h3><ul><li>Tolea Securities Limited and ALTX Securities Exchange</li> The Firm was engaged to provide legal advisory in the submission of the client’s prospectuses to the Capital Markets Authority. The Capital Markets Authority in March 2023 approved two (2) prospectuses allowing Tolea Securities Limited to trade Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) Securities built respectively with Regional Treasury Debt securities from all over Africa, and Equities from various markets across the globe on the ALTX Securities Exchange. The Firm was involved in the process from the very beginning and contributed greatly to the development of these financial instruments. This transaction was the first of its kind on Uganda’s Securities Exchange market.</ul><h3>C. Corporate Governance and Board affairs</h3><ul><li> We act as Company Secretarial services, governance, board oversight and compliance for several clients such as Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), Prudential Assurance Uganda Limited, NUCAFE, Ziba Limited, Bless A Child Limited.</li></ul><h3>D. Mergers and Acquisitions</h3><ul><li>Prudential Assurance Uganda Limited</li> The Firm acted for the Acquirer acquiring International Air Ambulance (IAA). The acquisition and transfer of business was approved by the Insurance Regulatory Authority. We drafted and/or reviewed and negotiated the Deed of Transfer and the commercial contracts.<li>Acquisition of Opportunity Bank by TLG Capital Fund</li> We acted for the acquirer, a Private Equity Fund from the Cayman Islands and UK. We assisted in the negotiation of the Share Purchase and assisted to lodge the application to the Bank of Uganda for clearance and approval of the acquisition.<li>Acquisition of Tugende Uganda</li> We acted for the potential acquirer in conducting a due diligence on Tugende Uganda. The report entailed correspondences with Teams in Ivory Coast and Kenya.</ul>

Our law firm provides comprehensive corporate and commercial legal services to businesses of all sizes. We assist clients in various matters, including entity formation, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, and compliance

Corporate & Commercial

Belinda is an associate at Signum Advocates.

Belinda Patience Cheptoek

University of Zurich

Business and Human Rights

Morris is a young ambitious and hardworking lawyer working under Corporate and Commercial, Energy and Projects, Employment, Banking &amp; Finance departments.His core practice areas are corporate commercial, Energy, projects and infrastructure, banking and finance law, legal and regulatory advice, commercial litigation, insolvency, restructuring and intellectual property law.Morris has a special like for emerging and disruptive technology having qualified as part of the inaugural research cohort of the Center for Law and Emerging Technologies (CLET), Makerere University Law School.Morris Borris joined the firm as a legal intern and has risen through the ranks to his current position. Morris has proven to be an agile “fixer” for the firm with out of the box solutions for complex and quagmire situations.

Morris B. Atugonza

In the rapidly evolving energy and natural resources sector, our law firm assists clients with legal issues related to renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, and environmental regulations. We offer strategic advice on project development, regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution. Our team's industry-specific knowledge allows us to provide comprehensive legal support in this complex and dynamic field

In the rapidly evolving energy and natural resources sector, our law firm assists clients with legal issues related to renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, and environmental regulations

Energy & Natural Resources

Our law firm has significant experience in project finance and infrastructure matters. We advise clients on the legal aspects of large-scale projects, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), infrastructure development, and project financing arrangements. Our team assists clients throughout the entire project lifecycle, from structuring and negotiating contracts to resolving disputes that may arise during construction or operation phases

Our law firm has significant experience in project finance and infrastructure matters. We advise clients on the legal aspects of large-scale projects, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), infrastructure development, and project financing arrangements

Project Finance & Infrastructure

Ian is the Managing Partner of the firm and heads the Tax, Banking and Finance Teams. He is both Ugandan and UK trained and has over ten (10) years practice and experience. Prior to joining the Firm, he gained extensive experience with KPMG East Africa and Shonubi Musoke & Co. Advocates.In 2016, Ian was seconded to the global law firm of Latham and Watkins LLP in the UK in the international Tax and Project Finance Departments as part of the prestigious International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA) Programme with a special emphasis to the African Market.He was part of the inaugural online trial advocacy training by Justice Advocacy Africa, 2020. He serves on both the Professional Development Committee and the Strategic Mobilisation Committees of the Uganda Law Society.

Ian Mutibwa

Partner

Patson is a Senior Partner at Signum Advocates. He is UK and Ugandan trained lawyer with expertise and experience in Projects &amp; Infrastructure, Dispute Resolution and Employment and Pensions practices. Prior to joining Signum as a partner, he was a Principal Associate at S&amp;L Advocates (DLA Piper Africa). Patson has advised several national and international clients on matters related to Projects and Infrastructure, Energy, banking and finance, employment and pensions, commercial disputes among others. He has advised on several projects including advising on design, financing, and construction of the USD 400million specialized hospital in Uganda, acted for a regional energy company in structuring the financing, construction, and establishment of USD $ 5million aviation fuels plant in Northern Uganda. He was also the lead legal Consultant in association with Castalia Advisory Group in providing consultancy services to the Government of Uganda represented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to develop a framework for Private Sector Participation (PSP) in Uganda&rsquo;s Electricity Transmission segment. He has also advised several project companies and sponsors on structuring, financing, and licensing of several renewable energy projects in Uganda.In employment space, Patson has been at the forefront of guiding the firm's corporate clients on their obligations under the Ugandan Labour laws. He frequently works with boards, general and in-house counsel, Human Resource departments and directly with the operation in handling issues related to employment relations, legal and regulatory compliance, structuring of pensions and retirement benefits schemes as well as review and formulation of human resource manuals and policies.Patson also runs a wide-ranging arbitration practice. He has been involved in several domestic and international arbitrations under the LCIA, ICC, UNCITRAL and CADER arbitration frameworks both as counsel and as an arbitrator. He has presented on several occasions in national and regional international conferences as a Keynote speaker on topical issues on arbitration and dispute resolution. In 2022, Patson was recognized among the top 30 rising Arbitration Practitioners in Africa by the Africa Arbitration Academy and the Association of young Arbitrators Africa. He was also part of the 2022, Africa Arbitration Academy Flagship training program hosted by leading international arbitration law firms and arbitral institutions in London, UK. In 2015, Patson was seconded to the global law firm of Mayer Brown International LLP in its London office and Blackstone Chambers in London as part of the prestigious International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA) Program with a special emphasis to the African Market.

Patson W. Arinaitwe

Robert Gordon University

Oil and Gas Law

Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution process where parties agree to submit their dispute to a neutral third party, called an arbitrator, who reviews the evidence and makes a binding decision. It is a flexible and confidential method of resolving conflicts outside of the traditional court system. Our experienced arbitration attorneys have a deep understanding of the arbitration process and can guide you through every step, from drafting enforceable arbitration agreements to representing your interests during the arbitration proceedings.

This is a specialized area of law practice that focuses on resolving legal disputes between businesses and individuals in a private and efficient manner. At Signum Advocates, we offer comprehensive arbitration and commercial dispute resolution services to help our clients effectively navigate complex legal conflicts.

Arbitration & Commercial Dispute Resolution

Batanda is a Partner and head of the Litigation and Dispute resolution teams at the Firm.He has appeared numerous times in the East African Court of Justice, Common Market for Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COMESA) Court, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Constitutional Court,High Court and various Tribunals and Commissions. He has also been involved in several domestic and international arbitrations under the LCIA and UNCITRAL arbitration frameworks.During his tenure at Attorney General’s Chambers, Batanda advised government on key matters in the oil and gas industry, arbitration briefs and other high-level disputes involving Government and bilateral arrangements.Batanda is a lecturer at the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kampala.

Gerald Batanda

Energy Law

In the realm of international business, disputes often require specialized knowledge and procedures. Our law firm has extensive experience in international arbitration, providing effective representation to clients in cross-border disputes. We handle arbitrations before major international arbitral institutions, offering strategic advice and advocating for our clients' interests throughout the arbitration process

In the realm of international business, disputes often require specialized knowledge and procedures. Our law firm has extensive experience in international arbitration, providing effective representation to clients in cross-border disputes

International Arbitration

Alex is a Co-Founding Partner at the firm. He is a Ugandan and UK trained corporate and commercial lawyer with over 10 (ten) years of practical experience. Alex&rsquo;s advisory experience entails commercial and financing deals related to private equity, corporate finance, project finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate rescue, and restructuring. He has advised local and multinational corporations across banking, telecom, technology , real estate, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and agri-business sectors.Alex is a recipient of the prestigious UK Chevening Scholarship and is completing his master&rsquo;s degree in Banking &amp; Finance Law at Queen Mary University of London. He has also been seconded to the global law firm of Freshfields Bruckhause Deringer LLP in the UK as part of the prestigious International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA) Programme.As Chairperson of the Professional Development Committee of the Uganda Law Society, Alex spearheaded the establishment of the Law Firm Management Program and the Young Lawyers Mentorship Series, both of which have helped to equip lawyers in Uganda with critical business and career development skills.

Alex Matovu

Queen Mary University of London

LLM – Banking & Finance Law

Legal Excellence Academy - International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA)

Training on structuring cross-border investments for treaty protection, ESG implications of investment, and contractual negotiation strategy

Uganda Law Society

East Africa Law Society

International Bar Association

INSOL International

Our law firm specializes in delivering holistic corporate and commercial legal services tailored to businesses, regardless of their scale. With a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics of the corporate world, we provide invaluable assistance to our clients in diverse areas. From the inception of an entity to its ongoing governance, our expertise covers every aspect of corporate life. We excel in guiding businesses through the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, ensuring seamless transitions and favorable outcomes. Our adept team is well-versed in drafting and negotiating contracts, safeguarding our clients' interests with meticulous attention to detail. 

We offer invaluable insights into regulatory compliance, assisting businesses in navigating the ever-evolving legal landscape.

Corporate, Mergers & Aquisitions

We understand that businesses face unique challenges that may necessitate strategic restructuring or require expert guidance during insolvency proceedings. With our deep expertise and profound understanding of the legal landscape, we offer invaluable assistance to clients in navigating these complex areas. In the realm of restructuring, our experienced team offers practical and innovative solutions to help businesses adapt and thrive amidst changing circumstances. Whether it involves financial reorganization, debt restructuring, or corporate reengineering, we provide strategic counsel and support throughout the process. Our goal is to help businesses achieve stability, maximize value, and emerge stronger from challenging situations.

We understand that businesses face unique challenges that may necessitate strategic restructuring or require expert guidance during insolvency proceedings. With our deep expertise and profound understanding of the legal landscape, we offer invaluable assistance to clients in navigating these complex areas.