Group Photo: Participants at the Monitoring and Evaluation session in Gulu
A team from the Mediation Registry led by Deputy Registrar, HW Dr Agnes Nkonge, carried out a Monitoring and Evaluation exercise at Gulu and Masindi Chief Magistrates' Courts.
Experience in Gulu
In a meeting which was chaired by the Resident Judge, Hon. Justice Alex Ajiji Mackay, raised the issue of lack of facilitation of court-annexed mediators. "Since the Judiciary has some money now, let mediators be remunerated," he said. Adding, "they are doing the work of a judge and not the parties, they need to be motivated. Therefore, don't wait for the initiative to die," he cautioned.
HW Dr Nkonge promised to do more training of mediators and vigorous public sensitization. She noted that Mediation is good for conflict management as it promotes peace and reconciliation in communities.
The Gulu Deputy Registrar, HW Ntalo Nasulu Husein applauded court users for embracing Mediation.
Other judicial officers present in the meeting were Chief Magistrates; HW Barigye Said (Gulu), HW Nambozo Joy(Kitgum), and Magistrates Grade One; HW Anyeko Susan (Nwoya), HW Alioni EmanuelDrajole (Patongo), HW Kwizera Viane (Gulu), HW Akankwasa Edward (Pader), HW Akera Derrick (Kitgum), HW Abilu Isaac (Agago), HW Nyero Sedrick (Amuru), HW Irumba Atwooki (Pader) and HW Christine Turihamwe (Gulu). Advocates and Mediators from the sub-region also participated in the exercise.
HW Kwizera was commended for his evaluative mediation techniques.
The Registry to formalize a mode of collection of Mediation statistics that is compatible to the Electronic Court Management Information System.
Masindi Exercise
In Masindi, Hon. Justice Byaruhanga Jesse Rugyema, the Resident Judge informed stakeholders that the objective of the exercise was to find out challenges affecting Mediation in the region, and sharing best practice among others.
He appealed to judicial officers to understand and play their role effectively, if Mediation is to be successful.
The Chief Magistrate, HW Ssejjemba Deo, called for an overhaul of the System. "The System ought to change and each mediator requisitions for payment basing on matters handled. We shall monitor and recommend them for payment after they have resolved the matters," the Chief Magistrate said.
It was reported that some advocates are out to frustrate the initiative due to selfish interests.
In attendance were Magistrates Grade One; HW Biwaga Selsa (Masindi), HW Naluyima Victoria (Masindi), HW Byamugisha Derrick (Kiryandongo/Kigumba), and HW Komakech Kenneth (Buliisa).
Posted 22nd, February 2022
