Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs (ENS) has launched in Uganda as the firm continues its recent expansion across Africa.

The firm has secured the launch via a takeover of local outfit Synergy Solicitors and Advocates. The office will be managed by Synergy corporate consultant Donald Nyakairu and will focus on energy, finance, telecoms, refining and infrastructure work.

The team also comprises banking and finance partner Bernard Katureebe, Alexander Kibandama, who was a corporate and commercial partner at his former firm, and Ronald Tusingwire, who was head of litigation, and is rounded off by six associates.

The takeover increases ENS's total lawyer headcount to over 550.

The news comes after ENS last August confirmed two new office openings in Burundi and Rwanda. The firm hired Desire Kamanzi, managing partner of Kamanzi Ntaganira & Associates to lead the Rwanda arm, along with the rest of his firm.

The firm also took on Gilbert Nyatanyi, the former managing partner of Burundi firm Mkono & Co's local arm, to lead ENS's new Burundi operation.

ENS chairman Michael Katz said in a statement: "We believe that clients doing business in Africa require localised capability in all the key geographic regions across Africa – clients must know that the legal firm they trust with their business ventures understands and is able to capitalise on the unique nuances afforded to them in each Africa country, and across the disciplines of law, tax, forensics and IP.

"We do not see how this is possible if you are not present and able to offer quality legal advice in each of the pertinent African jurisdictions."