- Tom Mbalinda holds a Masters Degree in Law from Makerere University, Bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B Hons) from Makerere University, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
- He is a highly experienced Advocate with 24 years’ post enrolment practice before courts of Judicature. Has been involved in crucial litigation in Courts of judicature and appellate courts up to Supreme Court, multi-transactional projects in private legal practice and corporate practice where he worked up to the levels of Senior Manager, Commercial Legal and Litigation in MTN Uganda before taking over as Head of Legal at East African Breweries (Uganda) Limited.
- At Uganda Breweries Limited, Tom reviewed and revamped HR policies, particularly the disciplinary code of conduct to align it with the law in Uganda. He also spearheaded training of various managers in charge of the policy and reduced litigation matters arising out of HR claims from previously un-sustainable levels to negligible during his tenure.
- Tom has handled a major financing transaction involving the World Bank (IFC) and a client of the firm to the tune of USD 4.1 Million as the transaction lawyer for the client; dealing with perfecting the compliance structure of the client, dealing with gaps in company filings, acting as a point of contact for client on security perfection.
- Has vast experience in corporate governance, corporate set up for upstart companies and structuring them in a manner which achieves legal, administrative and labour efficiencies and complies with legal & regulatory provisions.
- Has worked on projects such as privatization of several government parastatals giving technical advice and conducting legal due diligences on transactions such as National Insurance Corporation, Uganda Development Bank, Pride Micro Finance Ltd, Uganda Railways Corporation among others.
- Handled various projects at MTN such as roll out of Base Transmission Sites across the country while combining speed of execution with unparalleled economies well below budget, was also involved in project management for construction of Regional switching centres; very conversant with Construction contracts i.e. drafting, negotiating implementation, monitoring and evaluation, also did similar work with East African Breweries as local Legal contact for a project of building of a mash filter facility and equipment installation. Tom is currently handing a similar transaction for a client setting up a hotel structure in Uganda.
- Worked as part of the Revenue Assurance team of MTN charged with reducing revenue leakage and minimizing incidents of fraud. Led many fraud investigations in MTN and EABL (U) and gathered considerable experience in controls and governance.
- Has worked with several companies/institutions providing company secretarial services such as Uganda RE (Re-Insurance Company in Uganda), MTN Foundation, East African Breweries Uganda Limited.
- Has a wide network and working relationship/linkages with various sector working groups (both GoU and DPs) and Multilateral companies.
- Very experienced commercial negotiator who believes in commercial expediency and getting appropriate solutions for his clients in the most cost-effective way which fosters business relations, synergies and continuity with litigation as a last resort but when called upon to litigate, believes in getting the best result for his clients but strictly in an ethical manner.
- He is a lecturer at the Law Development Centre where he lectures Bar Course students (a mandatory course before enrolment to the Bar). He is the Head of Subject Corporate & Commercial Practice and also lectures Land Transactions. Tom is part of the examining board at the Law Development Centre.
- Very actively engaged in social Responsibility initiatives most notably with his community where he offers pro bono legal services as Secretary to a vibrant home owners association which he founded, and registered.
Tom has served and continues to serve on boards of directors of several companies.