Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera, has underscored the vital role of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) strategy in ensuring timely and fair justice delivery.
Opening a two-day training session on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Hunter’s Nest Hotel in Arua City, Justice Buteera highlighted the importance of integrating African traditional methods in mediation, a key feature of the newly launched Alternative Justice Strategy (AJS).
“The aim is to advance justice for all, aligning with the Judiciary’s Transformational Agenda. Initiatives like this training equip mediators to handle cases efficiently, fostering relationship preservation and preventing justice delays,” Justice Buteera stated.
Conducted under the theme “Re-Engineering Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Administration of Justice,” the training seeks to improve mediation skills and encourage the adoption of ADR practices throughout the judicial system.
“Our traditional dispute resolution mechanisms offer fast, cost-effective, and widely accepted methods for resolving conflicts. We aim to expand their use across the nation, ensuring that all mediation processes comply with legal standards while respecting local norms and cultures,” he noted.
The Judiciary of Uganda, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Development Law Organisation, has launched this inaugural mediator training under the Arua High Court Circuit.
Arua Resident Judge, Lady Justice Harriet Grace Magala, praised the training’s timeliness, emphasizing its importance in addressing the Circuit’s substantial volume of family cases.
“Mediation is often more suitable for family disputes, as it not only reduces case backlogs but also promotes reconciliation and preserves relationships,” she remarked.
Chief Registrar HW Sarah Langa Siu acknowledged several challenges facing mediation, such as ensuring high-quality training, mediator credibility, and adequate remuneration.
“We are committed to overcoming these challenges to strengthen the ADR process, ultimately enhancing the delivery of effective justice,” she stated.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) encompasses any conflict resolution method outside of litigation. It includes all processes and techniques used to resolve disputes without involving formal governmental procedures.
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