KAMPALA- Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga, the Acting Principal Judge, officially opened a two-day training on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for judicial officers and court-accredited mediators from the Civil and Commercial Divisions of the High Court. The hybrid training is being held at the Commercial Division in Kampala.
In her remarks, Justice Okuo Kajuga emphasized that the training was tailored to the specific needs of the two Divisions, with input from Judicial Officers directly informing the curriculum. She commended the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) for organizing the timely and targeted programme, noting that it aligns with the Judiciary’s commitment to improving performance and service delivery.
She further highlighted that ADR is central to the Judiciary’s broader reforms—strengthening case management, supporting data-driven decision-making, and leveraging ICT to deliver more efficient and accessible justice. She urged participants to view the training as an opportunity to deepen their expertise, refine their strategies, and reaffirm their commitment to excellence in adjudication.
Justice Mike Chibita, Chairperson of the JTI Governing Council, underscored the importance of applying the skills gained to ensure faster and more effective delivery of justice.
Lady Justice Anna B. Mugenyi, Head of the Commercial Division, noted that the training reflects the Judiciary’s continued efforts to adopt dispute resolution mechanisms that reduce backlog and enhance efficiency. She stressed the growing need for judicial officers to identify and refer cases suitable for ADR, particularly given the rising caseloads in both divisions.
Justice Andrew Khaukha, Executive Director of JTI, thanked Justice Chibita for his strategic guidance and acknowledged Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus, for spearheading the ADR training initiative. He also appreciated the invitation extended to the Civil Division, promoting inter-divisional learning and collaboration.
Justice Buteera delivered an expert session on best practices in mediation, judge-mediator roles, and appellate mediation while Advocate Francis Gimara, SC led a presentation on leadership in ADR, offering practical insights on institutionalising ADR within judicial systems.
Participants included Heads of Divisions, Justices, Registrars, accredited mediators, and research magistrates. The session was moderated by HW Obizu Mallen, Magistrate Grade I attached to JTI.
The training reflects the Judiciary’s ongoing commitment to promoting ADR as a vital tool for timely cost-effective, and people-centered justice.
