Smith Kiiza
In a quiet corner of the UC Davis School of Law library, Smith Kiiza often reflects on a journey that began thousands of miles away—in Uganda, where his understanding of justice first took root. Today, he walks the halls of one of the world’s top legal institutions, not as a visitor, but as a scholar on the brink of transforming international legal systems.
His story is not just about academic accolades or professional triumphs. It is about purpose, resilience, and a steadfast belief that law, when wielded with integrity, can be a force for good across borders, cultures, and systems.
A Life Shaped by Justice and Opportunity
Smith Kiiza was not born into privilege, but into a society where the law could mean either protection or oppression, depending on who held power. This paradox shaped his worldview early. After completing his initial legal studies in Africa, he immersed himself in real-world legal challenges that would later define his transcontinental career.
He practiced law and provided legal consultancy in seven African countries, navigating complex cases in property rights, constitutional law, and economic development. His reputation quickly grew not just for his legal intellect but for his cultural fluency and ethical clarity.
Law should not be foreign to the people it governs,” Kiiza often says. “It must be accessible, relevant, and just.
Crossing Continents, Connecting Systems
His next chapter took him to Asia, where he contributed to legal reforms in five countries, focusing on corporate law, arbitration, and investment frameworks. In each country, Kiiza didn’t just practice law—he listened, adapted, and taught.
By the time he reached the Americas, Kiiza had become a legal polymath, capable of bridging vastly different legal traditions. His time in the U.S. has been particularly transformative. At UC Davis School of Law, he is currently completing his second LL.M. in Business and Corporate Law, building on his prior graduate legal education and decades of professional experience.
Simultaneously, Kiiza is pursuing a Ph.D. in Law, a rare dual pursuit that reflects his commitment to both theory and practice. His doctoral research delves into the intersection of constitutional law, ecology, and the evolution of legal systems with a unique focus on the conservation of ancient insect species (Odonata and Ephemeroptera) as metaphors for sustainable governance.
Leadership in Constitutional Discourse
In 2024, Smith Kiiza joined international scholars in presenting “The U.S. Impeachment and Presidential Immunity: A Constitutional Perspective”, a comparative research paper that examined executive accountability in democratic and non-democratic regimes. Drawing on Ugandan legal traditions, Kiiza challenged the notion of absolute presidential immunity.
His argument was firm: True constitutionalism means no one is above the law, especially those entrusted to uphold it.
Mentors, Family, and the Power of Gratitude
Behind every milestone in Kiiza’s life is a network of people he holds dear. He speaks often of the unwavering support from his family, particularly Loy Joy Lwabaayi, Ronald Lwabaayi, Monica Namukwana, and Michael Kabuye whose encouragement kept him grounded through the most trying transitions.
He also pays tribute to his U.S. legal mentors, including Professor Beth Greenwood, who has guided him through the complexities of American legal education, and attorneys Bets Stephen and Veronica Barba, whose support has helped him pursue legal recognition in the United States.
Preparing for the Bar and Beyond
Now, as he prepares to complete his graduate programs and take the bar exam, Kiiza is actively exploring internship and volunteer opportunities within U.S. law firms, nonprofits, and academic institutions.
His areas of focus include:
Corporate and business law
International and comparative law
Public interest and constitutional reform
Legal empowerment for marginalized communities
His long-term vision is to serve as a global legal strategist, helping institutions navigate international law with fairness, ethical clarity, and respect for sovereignty.
A Legacy in the Making
Smith Kiiza’s life story reads like a tapestry woven from different legal traditions, languages, and lived experiences. Yet, what makes his narrative stand out is not its breadth, but its depth. In every case he’s handled, every paper he’s written, every student he’s mentored, Kiiza has asked a single question: How can the law serve people better?
The answer, he believes, lies not in systems alone, but in leaders who embody humility, scholarship, and moral courage.
And Smith Kiiza is just getting started.
Smith Kiiza
International Lawyer (Africa, Asia, UK, and USA), Ph.D. Scholar @Shoolini University, India.
LL.B. PGD. LLM (Human Rights Criminal Law)
LL.M (Corporate Law) and J.D. Candidate.
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