Team size: Three

Major legal advisors:  S&L Advocates, Signum Advocates, Ortus Advocates, Ligomarc Advocates, SM & Co. Advocates, ENSafrica Uganda

Jurisdictions your role covers: Uganda and support to the East Africa legal team based in Kenya

Q&A

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in? 

A landmark achievement was realized in 2025 when I successfully led Old Mutual’s (OM) legal strategy in the matter of Old Mutual Insurance Co. Limited v. Africa Reinsurance Corporation. The Insurance Appeals Tribunal upheld the validity of the facultative reinsurance contract and ruled that Africa Re must indemnify Old Mutual to the extent of its 50% participation, amounting to USD 1,500,000. The decision not only safeguarded the company from significant financial exposure but also vindicated its underwriting and disclosure practices as fully compliant with the duty of utmost good faith. Importantly, the ruling set a strong industry precedent affirming the enforceability of unconditional demand bonds and clarified reinsurer obligations, particularly that liability cannot be avoided through post-placement objections or premium refunds once the insured risk has crystallized. This win enhanced Old Mutual’s industry standing, reinforced confidence in its governance and contract management practices, and demonstrated the team’s ability to manage complex disputes, mitigate risk, and secure outcomes that create both financial and strategic value for the organization. 

How is your legal function leveraging technology to enhance efficiency in areas such as contract management and compliance monitoring? 

Technology is increasingly central to the delivery of legal services. We are progressively digitising legal workflows, including contract lifecycle management, Board governance processes and regulatory compliance monitoring. The use of digital collaboration platforms, electronic approvals and compliance trackers has enhanced visibility, reduced turnaround times and improved reporting. We are also exploring opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence to support legal research, policy reviews and the preparation of first drafts, allowing the legal team to focus on higher value strategic advisory work.

What strategies has your legal team adopted to mitigate legal and regulatory risks in a rapidly evolving business and political environment? 

Our focus is on prevention rather than reaction. We integrate legal risk management into strategic decision making by ensuring that legal considerations are addressed early in business initiatives. This includes robust contract governance, regular policy reviews, litigation oversight, scenario planning and continuous engagement with regulators and industry bodies. We also work closely with risk, compliance and business teams to ensure that emerging risks are identified early and managed through practical, commercially sound solutions.

How is the role of the General Counsel evolving in East Africa as organisations place greater emphasis on governance, transparency and ESG considerations? 

The GC has evolved from a technical legal advisor to a strategic business partner and trusted governance adviser. Beyond managing legal risk, today’s General Counsel plays a central role in Board effectiveness, regulatory engagement, ethical leadership and organisational resilience. ESG considerations are becoming increasingly integrated into corporate strategy, requiring legal leaders to support sustainable business practices, strengthen governance frameworks and foster stakeholder trust. The modern General Counsel is expected to combine legal expertise with commercial acumen, influencing strategic decisions that create long-term value for both the organisation and its stakeholders.