NAKAWA– The Judiciary of Uganda has partnered with the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) in a historic move to strengthen access to justice through the Alternative Justice Strategy (AJS). A one-day training for religious leaders is underway at the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), Nakawa, Kampala, bringing together faith leaders from across the country.
Opening the session, the Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny – Dollo, commended religious leaders for embracing the initiative, noting that their influence reaches communities where the formal justice system cannot. He pointed out that courts resolve only about 10 percent of disputes in Uganda, leaving the majority unsettled.
“What happens to the other 90 percent? People in the communities turn to you, the religious leaders, to resolve their disputes,” the Chief Justice remarked.
He underscored that justice is not only punitive but also restorative.
“Justice is about healing and reconciliation. It is about restoring broken relationships and building sustainable peace. You are the trusted moral voices, the custodians of tradition, and the spiritual guides who speak to the conscience of our people.”
The Chief Justice assured participants that the Judiciary will continue to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective dispute resolution, likening ADR to prevention rather than cure.
The Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, described the collaboration as groundbreaking: “This is the first time in Uganda’s history that the Judiciary and the Inter-Religious Council are coming together to promote access to justice. Today marks the start of a journey that will change the course of justice delivery for the better.”
She emphasized the natural alignment between the Judiciary and IRCU, adding that the training would not only achieve results but also demonstrate performance in implementing AJS.
The Executive Director of JTI, Justice Andrew Khaukha, described the day as one of thanksgiving, praising the Chief Justice for championing the Alternative Justice Strategy. He noted that Uganda now stands as a continental leader, with over 22 African judiciaries adopting AJS initiatives.
Participants have covered a wide range of topics including negotiation and mediation principles, leadership in AJS, the STAR approach, simulations, and sharing best practices. The training is facilitated by a distinguished panel that includes Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Richard Buteera, Principal Judge Emeritus Justice Yorokamu Bamwine, retired High Court Judge, Justice David Wangutusi, former Solicitor General Mr Francis Atoke and Senior Counsel Francis Gimara. The sessions are being moderated by HW Lillian Bucyana, Acting Registrar of JTI.
The initiative is aligned with the Judiciary’s policy on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and the Government’s National Policy on Alternative Justice Strategy. It builds on the work of religious and cultural leaders as custodians of peace, reconciliation, and moral guidance.
Formed in 2001, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda unites the Catholic Church, Church of Uganda, Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Orthodox Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Pentecostal umbrella bodies to promote peace, unity, good governance, and development through the collective action of faith communities
