ABMAK Associates
ABMAK Associates is a corporate law firm based in Kampala, and its main office is in Kampala.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm specializes in the corporate, transactional and regulatory aspects of oil & gas, mining, power, and infrastructure projects.
Key clients
Key clients include TotalEnergies EP Uganda, TotalEnergies East Africa Midstream, Schlumberger, McDermott, East African Crude Oil Pipeline Company, ARPE Limited managed by Berkeley Energy, Kikagati Power Company Limited, SICPA, SENOK Wind Uganda Limited, CFAO Motors Uganda Limited (Toyota), Dembe Trading Enterprises Limited, RIC Energy, METKA EGN, Airswift Uganda, HMH Rainbow Limited, Woodcross Resources, Cotton On Foundation and Premier Credit Uganda Limited.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period the firm was active in advising project companies, sponsors and developers on project developments specifically in the energy sector including oil and gas, and mining industries. The firm advised both on the regulatory aspect and development of the projects.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Achwa Hydro power project
East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project
Makuutu Rare Earth project
20MW Rupa Wind power project
AF Mpanga
AF Mpanga is a Ugandan firm founded in 2003 and located in Kampala. The firm is a pan-African firm with a focus on business law.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a strong practice in both financial and corporate as well as project development transactions. Within these areas the firm has a particular specialism for buyers in M&A transactions.
Key clients
The firm has developed strong relationships with Abasa Bank Uganda, Stanbic Bank Uganda, Equity Bank Uganda, Emerging Capital Partners, 8 Miles, Catalyst Principal Partners, Citibank Uganda, Marsh Uganda, Uber and C-Squared Uganda.
ENSafrica
ENSafrica
is the
Ugandan office of the pan-African law firm of the same name. Founded in South Africa in 1905,
ENSafrica employs more than 600 hundred lawyers across as offices in Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
The firm is a leader in financial and corporate
work achieving tier 1 status in this area. During the research period the firm was active on
a mix of investments, IPOs,
acquisitions and
financings.
Deal highlights include the Pearl Dairy Farms refinancing,
Czarnikow Group
trade financing and
Agri Exim refinancing.
Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund I & Co.,
Bluepeak Holdings, Frontier Clearing Corporation, Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la
Coopération
Economique,
AgDevCo, Stanbic Bank Uganda and Absa Bank Uganda,
Fenix International Uganda,
responsAbility Investments
and Nederlandse
Financierings-Maatschappij
voor
Ontwikkelingslanden.
Kyagaba & Otatiina Advocates
Kyagaba & Otatiina Advocates
is a Ugandan law firm based in Kampala which since 2019 has been a member of Dentons.
The firm has a focus on financial and corporate work but is also active
on project development deals.
During the research period the firm was active
on project
financings, investments, acquisitions, financial restructurings, corporate restructurings, loan financings and energy and infrastructure work.
Deal highlights
include
the Equator Energy financing, Electoral Commission of Uganda headquarters project and the
Tilenga Project.
National Housing and Construction Company,
Spouts International,
Uganda Development Corporation,
Threeways Shipping Services,
Facility for Energy Inclusion,
Landesbank Baden-Württemberg,
Standard Chartered Bank and
uMunthu Investment Company II.
“Kyagaba & Otatiina Advocates excels in their turnaround time, which is crucial in the banking sector. The firm consistently meets deadlines, ensuring efficient processing of work. Their commitment to
timely service enhances client satisfaction and reliability, setting them apart in a competitive legal landscape.” (Banking client)
“The firm is diligent.” (Banking client)
“The firm offers pragmatic advice suited to needs of the entity and constantly follows up with the client in the event of any matters arising.” (Project finance client)
“Esther always gives timely feedback on
inquires that arise.
Esther is also very professional and meets all set deadlines and
incase of delays communicates
in a timely manner.
Esther is also extremely knowledgeable, readily
available and flexible in how she does her work.” - Esther Ntale, Senior Associate
“She is good at communicating and client relations.” - Pearl Nyakabwa, Managing partner
“Provision of pragmatic advice in the context of the legal question at hand.” - Pearl Nyakabwa, Managing partner
“Pearl is the care partner for our company.
She is readily available when
needed, especially where instructions are complex.
Pearl ensures that the bank’s instructions are handled with the necessary care and professionalism that is
required.”
- Pearl
Nyakabwa, Managing partner
Ligomarc Advocates
Ligomarc Advocates is a corporate law firm founded in 2003 by Ruth
Sebatindira. The firm has one office in Kampala and collaborates with Andersen Global.
During the research period the firm was active on infrastructure projects, restructurings, project financings, corporate restructurings and financial services regulatory work. Deal highlights include
the Kampala Central Business District hospital restructuring and
the
Electricity Access Scale-up Project.
Stanbic Bank,
Uganda Energy Credit
Capitalisation Company,
Uganda Development Bank,
Bank of
Africa and
Uganda Bankers Association.
MMAKS Advocates
MMAKS is a full-service corporate firm and is a member of the Africa Legal Network. The firm has a presence in 15 African countries and a regional office in Dubai.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strong in banking and finance and serves clients in financial services.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include the
Central Bank of Uganda,
Diamond Trust Bank Uganda, Dfcu Bank, Webber Wentzel, Linklaters, Trinity International, Government of Uganda, KFW Development Bank, SN Power, Tullow, MultiChoice Africa, IFC, Africa Finance Cooperation, Mahati Infra Uganda, Hogan Lovells, Cliffe Decker Hofmeyr, Anjarwalla, Collins and Hadermoita Advocates Dubai and Baker & McKenzie in Johannesburg.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking and M&A practice.
In banking the firm advising on several financings including project finance and financial restructuring.
In M&A the firm advised on private acquisitions and joint ventures for clients connected to investment management, agriculture and energy sectors.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Mantra Technologies $5.4 million acquisition of Seven Hills Impex
Ortus Advocates
ORTUS Advocates is a full-service corporate law firm based in Kampala and established in 2019.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is focused predominantly on banking, corporate matters, project development and is active serving clients in the financial services sector.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include Uganda Development Bank, Equity Bank Uganda Limited, Post Bank Uganda Limited, KCB Bank Uganda Limited, Housing Finance Bank, Basic Group Limited, Joadah Consult, Biosyntec, Emin Pasha Group of Hotels, Zenitaka-Hyundai Joint Venture, Mota Engil, Trafigura and Prism Construction Company Limited.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking, investment funds, insolvency and project development.
In banking the firm assisted with financing for clients connected with financial services sectors.
In investment funds corporate the firm was involved in fund formation, for clients connected with investment management sector.
The firm also advised a client in the energy sector on insolvency proceedings.
In project development the firm assisted with deals for clients connected with oil and gas sector.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
National Water & Sewerage Corporation $25.55 million financing
SM&Co Advocates
SM&Co Advocates is a Ugandan law firm
established in 1987. The firm also has a branch office is in Burundi.
The firm is a
strong player in the Ugandan legal market
with the firm
achieving tier 1 status for both their financial and corporate and project development work. During the research period the firm was active
on loans, acquisitions, financial restructurings as well as both development and financing work for projects. Deal highlights for the firm include
the
Watu Mauritius loan restructuring,
Hydromax Mengo Bridge- Hydro Power Project and M-Kopa Uganda loan facility.
Uganda National Airlines Company,
East African Crude Oil Company,
Total Energies,
Umeme and
Bank of Uganda.
Birungyi Barata & Associates
Birungyi Barata & Associates is a commercial firm based in Uganda. It was established in 2003 by Enoch Brata and Birungyi Cephas Kagyenda, the managing partner. It has an office is in Kampala and a team of 14 lawyers.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm advises on transactions within the banking, M&A, project finance, and restructuring and insolvency (R&I) practice areas, and can advise on Ugandan and English law.
Key clients
The firm has developed strong relationships with Absa Uganda, Chestnut, Ziba, Mahoma, Airtel, World Bank Group, Capital Shoppers, Marriot Hotel and Apartments, and Uganda Breweries.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
During the research period the firm was active in banking, M&A, project finance, and R&I.
In banking it was active on behalf of borrowers and lenders, and it advised on project financing for developments in the energy sector.
In corporate work the firm advised on acquisitions on behalf of buyers and sellers and assisted with restructurings.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Kibaale District hydro power plant
SACCO restructuring
Windforce / Akbar Group / ECL Energy 10MW solar power plant
Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Financial services regulatory
“Timely delivery on the defined deliverables, creative tailor made tax-related solutions. A well experienced and tax savvy team. The firm has had 100% success in all the tax matters concluded thus far and continue to provide satisfactory representation both in court and the tribunal. Timely sharing of significant changes in the regulatory and legal regimes. They are a leader in shaping tax Jurisprudence and practice.”
Project development
“Honest and realistic in analysing cases, timely actions, and problem-solving.”
Birungyi Cephas Kagyenda
“Excellent customer care and managing the needs of the customer. Approachable and available 24/7, attention to detail. Goes an extra mile to deliver results Strong drafting skills, sharp reasoning on all matters, a thorough understanding and appreciation of the tax Legal framework. Well thought out arguments/submissions.”
Enoch Barata
“Excellent customer care, very good time management, skilled problem-solving and is very honest.”
Bytelex Advocates
Bytelex Advocates is a Ugandan law firm based in Kampala.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on loan deals as well as general financial services regulatory work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include HiLight Technologies, Culipa, ATAD Steel Structure Corporation, Veron Intercontinental Shipping Investments, Ecological Christian Organisation, Yellow Card Financial, I4policy, GIZ: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Government of Rwanda and ThinkIT.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"The team has been quite thorough in their preparation work, going ahead to clear any potential blockers and leveraging their extensive network to acquire all relevant paperwork in a timely manner."
"Bytelex has a good level of experience and knowledge in regulatory engagements in Uganda. They were very clear on expectations and advisements when the engagement began. We successfully navigated the long approval process thanks in part to their foresight and preparations they made for us."
Cristal Advocates
Cristal Advocates is a corporate law firm, and its main office is in Kampala.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on financial and corporate work and is active in project development.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include SGS SA, CNOOC Uganda Limited, Africa Matters Limited, Alistair Logistics Uganda Limited, Movit Products Limited, Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited, NIC Holding Limited, AECOM, Trafigura Group, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Metropolitan Republic Uganda Limited, Clyde and Co, Addleshaw Goddard, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, SICIM SPA,
Elecnor SA, Oil Marketers (Uganda) Limited,
Echotel Proprietary Uganda Limited and Uganda Revenue Authority.
Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was active in financial and corporate transactions and project development.
In financial and corporate the firm worked in
structured finance, blended finance, Start-up fund, share offers, non-contentious financial services regulatory, project development
for clients connected with
insurance, financial services, oil and gas, energy, international investment, financial services sectors and government and public policy services.
In project development the firm worked in concessions and projects for clients connected with the oil and gas industry, energy and power, and international investment sectors.
Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Africa Matters Limited
€15 billion project development
Addleshaw Goddard €70 million project finance
Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited
€1 million restructuring
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
"Cristal Advocates are generally responsive to emails and
requests and demonstrate a willingness to provide support on matters with their managing partner being the main point of contact. They provided a reasonable fee estimate and their WIP was only 12.5% above their fee estimate."
"Efficient and effective in executing instructions with timely reporting and solutions for the firm's clients."
"The firm renders very clear advice to the bank, is very responsive and proactive."
Financial services regulatory
"Great at communication. Good at problem solving and advisory."
"The most impressive attribute of Cristal Advocates is the timely implementation of client's instructions. They always revert to us on time with quality, well-researched opinions. "
"Exceptionally knowledgeable (no one in Uganda knows the oil and gas sector better). Very senior networks, extending to the highest levels of industry and government. Highly responsive."
"Timely delivery. Important connections. Honesty."
"Timely execution of the assigned duties. Excellent engagement with the client and provision of feedback."
"Denis is a very knowledgeable professional, he remains very close to the client and therefore understands the bank's strategic priorities."
"Denis is excellent with client relationship management. He's also good at problem solving. Denis is committed and always finds a practical solution for every challenge."
"Effective communication. Honesty. Displayed expertise in the area required."
"Good industry knowledge, creative and innovative in client solutioning and an effective communicator. "
"He is diligent and professional in handling assignments."
"Is very knowledgeable and has good appreciation of the law."
"Very detailed knowledge of Uganda's oil and gas sector. Proactive - shares information and opportunities. Exceptional networks"
Engoru Mutebi Advocates
Engoru Mutebi Advocates is a Ugandan law firm established in 2015. The firm is based in Kampala.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on banking and project development work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Advance Global Capital, Standard Chartered Bank, Master Card, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Financial Access East Africa, Platinum Equity, The Carlyle Group, Siemens Health Liners, Walmart and British Telecom.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
"The Firm has an extensive financial services profile. They also handle the billing process smoothly. The team is highly qualified and simplifies complicated transactions."
K&K Advocates
K&K Advocates is a Ugandan law firm based in Kampala.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on loans, acquisitions and project related work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Bank of Uganda, Stanbic Bank Uganda, Diamond Trust Bank Uganda, Dfcu Bank, I&M Bank Uganda, Airtel Uganda, PricewaterhouseCoopers, British American Tobacco and Uganda Communication Commission.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Bank lending: Lender side
"K&K are very meticulous in their work and pay a lot of attention to detail. They also provide feedback on time and their turnaround time is very good."
PPP/PFI
"They give extra attention to the work and all time needed."
Kampala Associated Advocates
Kampala Associated Advocates
is a full-service law firm and has been active in the Ugandan market for 20 years.
The firm is focused on financial and corporate work, project development and restructuring and insolvency.
Key clients for the firm include Rubis Energy Uganda Limited, Mtn Uganda Limited, National Social Security Fund, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Limited, Uganda Communications Commission, Sure Telecom Uganda Limited (In Liquidation),
Afriland First Bank (In Liquidation), Industrial Promotion Services, East African Development Bank,
Solarnow Uganda Limited and Piston Medical Limited commission.
Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking, M&A and project development work.
In financial and corporate the firm worked in asset acquisitions, financing, insolvency proceedings, procurement, financing, divestment, administration, refinancing deals for clients connected with the banking, technology and communications, energy and financial services.
In project development the firm worked in financial and corporate: project development deals for clients connected with the construction, pharmaceutical and life science and agriculture sectors.
During the research period corporate associates Patricia Kamugisha and Charlotte
Ahabwe joined the firm from
Lidomarc Advocates and
OsKagere Advocates respectively.
Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
National water and
sewerage corporation €6.2 million project development
Plexus Cotton Limited €50 million project development and joint venture
Standard Chartered Bank €284 million refinancing
KTA Advocates
KTA Advocates
is a full-service law firm in Kampala and has been in the market for 12 years. The firm also has a presence in Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.
The firm is experienced in project development and M&A.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include
SafeBoda, Jumia,
Multigate, Umba Inc., Dimo, KCB, Orient Bank, Airtel, MTN, C-squared,
Echote and Optima Mines.
Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, financial services, insolvency and project development.
In banking and finance the firm’s work focused on assisting clients with debt recovery, unsecured and secured debt deals for clients connected with agriculture, banking and healthcare services.
In M&A the firm worked in private acquisitions and joint ventures for clients connected with the investment management and technology and communications sectors.
In project development the firm assisted with exploration contracts, project development for clients connected with the construction, transport and materials and technology and communications sectors.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm assisted with an equity share acquisition for a client connected with the entertainment sector.
During the research period corporate senior associate Stella Arinaitwe joined the firm from Tropical Bank.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"They understand the details of all the regulatory aspects and have built good relationships with the regulator. They are able to advise clearly on the implications of regulations and laws."
"Understand local context."
"KTA embraces technology
thus is very agile. Have professional lawyers. More importantly, they are client
centred and understand the value of relationship
building. "
"Agile. Problem solving. Leadership. Available."
"Bonita explains clearly the implications of laws and regulations. She has an excellent knowledge of our business and advocates well on behalf of the company."
Mukumbya Musoke Advocates
Mukumbya Musoke Advocates is a Ugandan law firm established in 2016. The firm is led by managing partner Julius Mukumbya Musoke and is based in Kampala.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on financial and corporate and project development work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include African Export-Import Bank, International Finance Corporation, DEG, Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund, FMO, Proparco, Barclays Bank, JP Morgan Securities, African Development Bank and ABSA.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
"They are reliable and have a deep understanding of the local law."
"Responsive and accurate in their answers, very experienced in international aspects."
S&L Advocates
Sebalu & Lule Advocates
is a member of the DLA Piper Africa Group, an alliance of independent legal practices working together across Africa. Sebalu & Lule was established in 1980 and is currently led by Barnabas Tumusingize and based in Kampala.
DLA Piper is a global business law firm with 4,200 lawyers in 77 offices in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a strong practice across both financial and corporate and project development achieving top tier status in both.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include MTN Uganda/MTN Group, British American Tobacco Uganda, Stanbic Uganda Holdings/Stanbic Bank Uganda, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, dfcu Bank, Citibank Uganda, Bank of Uganda, Trade and Development Bank, TOTAL E&P and Hima Cement.
Client Feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Capital markets
"In-depth knowledge. Excellent delivery. Reliable and trusted. Well resourced. "
Project development
"This firm has good in-depth knowledge on the areas in which they advise and are well informed on their subject matter, meaning that they can be relied upon to provide valued, useful and constructive advice. They also respond within short time frames and are responsive to requests. They are professional but also approachable. I have been really impressed by them."
Signum Advocates
Signum Advocates is a Ugandan law firm based in Kampala.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is active in financial and corporate and project development work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Partech Partners, Finasi-ishu Construction and Tolea Securities.
TASLAF Advocates
TASLAF Advocates is a Ugandan law firm is led by managing partner Stephen Tumwesigye and is based in Kampala.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on loan and project work.
