SM & Co. Advocates (Formerly Shonubi, Musoke & Co) Stages Coup de Firm on Signum Advocates

In a bold and strategic move that signals its ambitions for the next era of legal excellence, SM & Co. Advocates(formerly Shonubi, Musoke & Co.) has announced the onboarding of what it says are “two top legal brains of their generation” from rival firm Signum Advocates — Mr. Ian Mutibwa and Ms. Racheal Kembabazi — a calculated coup in the country’s competitive and lucrative corporate and commercial legal landscape.

Homecoming for a Rising Tax Star

Ian Mutibwa, who rejoins SM & Co. Advocates as a Tax Partner, began his legal career at the firm before moving on to KPMG East Africa and eventually becoming Managing Partner at Signum Advocates. His return marks both a professional homecoming and a strategic elevation of the firm’s capabilities in tax, finance, and entertainment law.

Mutibwa brings with him over 14 years of experience, both Ugandan and UK-trained, with previous stints in global firms including Latham & Watkins LLP in London under the International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA) Pro+ Programme. He is a licensed Insolvency Practitioner and has twice been nominated for “Partner of the Year” at the Africa Legal Awards (2020 and 2021). Ian’s deep understanding of tax and legal frameworks in African markets is expected to further elevate SM & Co.’s status as a top-tier commercial law firm.

Senior Partner Alan Shonubi, one of the firm’s founders, welcomed Ian with confidence:
“We are proud to welcome Ian back home. In this time of transformation locally and globally, Ian’s dynamism will complement the team as we move from strength to strength.”

A Rising Star Reinforces Commercial Strength

Joining alongside Mutibwa is Racheal Kembabazi, who enters SM & Co. Advocates as a Senior Associate. Previously a principal associate at Signum Advocates, Racheal has steadily carved out a name as a sharp, business-oriented legal professional. She will support the firm’s Banking & Finance and Corporate & Commercial practices, with a special focus on cross-border transactions and regulatory compliance.

In 2024, she was seconded to the UK-based global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright through the ILFA Programme, where she refined her expertise in mergers and acquisitions, project finance, and international advisory. Racheal’s leadership has been recognised through multiple nominations for the “Rising Star” and “Newcomer Award” at the Africa Legal Awards (2019–2021), as well as the “Rising Star” Award from the Uganda Law Society in 2021.

Managing Partner Noah Edwin Mwesigwa lauded her appointment:
“We are delighted to have Racheal join the team. She comes with the right skill set and culture for our practice. Her experience and passion for excellence will undoubtedly enhance the firm’s continued delivery of outstanding legal services.”

Strategic Expansion and Continuity

These appointments come shortly after the firm’s high-profile rebrand from Shonubi, Musoke & Co. Advocates to SM & Co. Advocates. The rebrand was a move to reflect generational transition, consolidate a growing partnership base, and position the firm for a more agile and modern legal future.

While SM & Co. remains anchored in a 38-year legacy, the addition of Ian and Racheal reflects a deliberate and forward-looking strategy to deepen the firm’s expertise in high-demand practice areas. Their arrival not only strengthens the firm’s capabilities but also subtly underscores SM & Co.’s pull as a destination for top legal talent.

In an interview with the CEO East Africa Magazine, Mr. Mwesigwa said the duo, who he referred to as “some of the two top legal brains of their generation”, would “enhance the firm’s offering and broaden the scope of legal services available to our clients”. 

“Ian and Racheal will strengthen our tax, finance and entertainment law practices. The Firm continues to actively recruit and develop organically the best talent, energetic, dynamic and “out of the box” thinkers for inclusion in its pool of lawyers and future leaders. Transition is something that we do not shun away from,” he said.  

With this strategic talent acquisition from a direct competitor, SM & Co. Advocates has not only rebranded — it has rearmed.