Hon. Justice Godfrey Namundi speaking at the sixth Annual Judicial Training on Climate Change
The Judicial Training Institute(JTI) in partnership with Greenwatch is holding the Sixth Annual Judicial Training in Climate Change where a select group of Judicial Officers from Eastern Region are being tipped on Climate Justice.
The training which is taking place at Mbale Resort Hotel is running under the theme; "Enforcing Environmental Laws in the Age of the Climate Crisis". It is aimed at addressing the urgent need for effective judicial action in the face of climate change.
Justice Godfrey Namundi, the Head Mbale High Court circuit, who opened the training, highlighted the pivotal role of the Judiciary in combating climate change and stressed the importance of judges making equitable decisions that protect human rights while addressing climate issues.
He also emphasized the need to hold polluters accountable and maintain a robust legal framework to tackle climate-related environmental challenges.
"Heavy traffic jams in Kampala and on the Jinja-Kampala highway are responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change," he stated.
Additionally, Justice Namundi highlighted that the recent floods in Mbale due to heavy rains in the Mount Elgon region, are part of the impact of change that urgently needs to bead dressed.
The Director Greenwatch, Ms Samantha Atukunda Kakuru Mwesigwa, expressed gratitude for the continuous support and partnership of the Judicial Training Institute.
She emphasized that Greenwatch is tirelessly working to ensure that Ugandans enjoy their right to a clean and healthy environment.
"This effort includes equipping Judges with the knowledge needed to properly handle climate and environmental-related issues," she said.
Adding that Greenwatch's dedication to judicial training emphasizes the critical role of the Judiciary in protecting the environment, especially during the climate crisis, by providing Judges with specialized knowledge.
Ms Mwesigwa also noted that they chose Mbale as the training venue because of its natural beauty but also its recent climate-induced disasters. "Mbale has recently suffered from climate-induced natural disasters. Hence a reminder of the climate crisis and the urgency for a well-equipped Judiciary to address these challenges," she said.
Key areas of focus are on; The complexities at the intersection of environmental law and climate change regulations, exploring strategies for enforcing environmental laws and overcoming the challenges posed by climate impacts.
The programme is also featuring case studies showcasing successful enforcement actions on climate-related issues.
Among the Day's facilitators; Dr. Peter Mutesasira, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Uganda Christian University and Ms Eunice M. Asinguza, Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager at the National Environment Management Authority.
The event will end with evaluations and closing remarks by Lady Justice Damalie N. Lwanga, the Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute.
In attendance is Lady Justice Shakira Bukirwa Ntambi, Resident Judge Jinja High Court Circuit, Registrars, Chief Magistrates, and Magistrates GI drawn from Climate Change-prone Areas in Eastern Uganda.
HW Prossy Katushabe, Registrar JTI, and HW Faisal Mulalira, Ag. Deputy Registrar JTI are moderating the training.
Posted 20th, May 2024
