Uganda

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) 

Banking 

"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." 

Banking and finance 

"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. " 

Project development 

"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." 

Restructuring 

"Timely execution of the assigned duties. Excellent engagement with the client and provision of feedback." 

Denis Kakembo 

"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"