An independent think tank for Uganda's innovation economy.
A legal incubator and innovation ally.
The Centre for Law, Policy and Innovation Initiative (CeLPII) is a Ugandan non-profit think tank dedicated to advancing sustainable development by aligning law and policy with the realities of emerging industries and technological change.
We empower entrepreneurs, influence legal frameworks, and create knowledge platforms that stimulate inclusive growth. Drawing from Uganda's demographic potential and regulatory evolution, CeLPII acts as both a legal incubator and an innovation ally.
Policy must be informed by how industries actually operate.
CeLPII is dedicated to strengthening the interface between legal and policy research and the practical realities faced by innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in Uganda — grounded in the understanding that effective regulation must be informed by a nuanced appreciation of how industries operate in practice.
The core challenge is not the absence of policy frameworks but the need for policy and regulatory approaches informed by a deeper understanding of rapidly evolving technologies and business models.
To pioneer legal, policy, and innovation solutions that drive sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and social justice in Uganda and beyond.
To empower innovators and entrepreneurs to navigate Uganda's regulatory landscape and advance impactful legal and policy frameworks through research, capacity building, and collaboration.
Seven principles that guide our work.
Research & Thought Leadership
Rigorous, evidence-based research that shapes policy debate.
Policy & Legal Reform
Practical reform grounded in how industries actually operate.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Frameworks that help innovators build and scale responsibly.
Capacity Building
Equipping the next generation of policy and legal leaders.
Collaboration
Multi-stakeholder work with government, industry, and academia.
Equity & Justice
Ensuring innovation policy benefits everyone, not just the few.
Sustainability
Long-term thinking on climate, environment, and economy.
Five ways we contribute.
Policy Research & Advisory
Independent research, briefs, and advisory services for public and private clients.
Capacity Building & Training
Fellowships, clinics, and short courses that build applied policy skills.
Events
Annual symposia, roundtables, and forums that convene the ecosystem.
Legal, Policy & Regulatory Insights
Timely commentary and analysis on emerging law and policy.
Partnerships
Cross-sector partnerships with regulators, industry, and civil society.
Leaders in law, policy, and innovation.
Kenneth Muhangi
Executive Director & Founder
Leading technology and intellectual property lawyer; serves on national and regional policy committees shaping Uganda's innovation and digital economy.
Asmahaney Saad
Director
Corporate & energy law specialist with 16+ years of practice; Managing Partner and Head of Corporate, Commercial & Projects. Board member, UBA Uganda and Next Media.
Justus Karuhanga
Director
Advocate of the High Court of Uganda; former Private Secretary Legal to the President and former Principal State Attorney.
Edgar Tabaro
Director
Senior Partner at KTA and Regional Practice Head (Burundi, DRC, Tanzania, Kenya). IP, corporate law, trade and litigation; former law-school dean.
Edwin Tabaro
Director
Advocate of the High Court of Uganda with regional East African practice rights. Focus on IP, banking, and cross-border project finance.
Janice Celine Nantumbwe
Head of Policy and Research
Leads policy and advocacy for ADEC. MSc International Public Policy (Queen Mary, London — with distinction); LLB, Makerere University.
Where our work has changed the picture.
Legal aid win for Uganda's ISPs
Represented ISPAU against the Uganda Communications Commission, reducing licensing fees nationwide and preserving competition in the internet market.
Uganda's first National IP Policy & Strategy
Directly influenced the shape of Uganda's first cohesive National IP Policy and Strategy — a milestone for innovation policy.
Founding CMAU
Founded the Carbon Markets Association Uganda to bring integrity, capacity, and community benefit to Uganda's carbon markets.
Founding ADEC Uganda
Founded the Alliance for Digital Trade, E-Mobility and Couriers Uganda, giving platform operators, couriers, and digital traders a unified policy voice.