ADR Adhoc Committee Convenes to Advance Implementation of Judiciary's Alternative Justice Strategy
Members of the ADR Adhoc Committee
May23, 2024: The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Adhoc Committee held a meeting at the Court of Appeal to discuss strategic implementation of the Judiciary's Alternative Justice Strategy (AJS).
The discussion was chaired by the Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera who emphasized the critical role of the Committee in advancing the AJS. He noted that since the Committee's inception, substantial progress has been made, including the training of 43 mediators by Pepperdine University.
Hon. Justice Buteera noted that the mediators are set to be commissioned on May 28, 2024, and will serve in the appellate courts, select High Court Divisions and Chief Magistrates Courts.
He informed members of plans to hold a workshop between the Mediators and members of the ADR Adhoc Committee to share ideas on how best the Alternative Justice System Strategy shall be implemented.
Hon. Justice Buteera highlighted the success of the plea bargaining initiative and the plan to hold a Plea Bargaining Conference to discuss its achievements and challenges.
He also noted the vigorous demand for Family Justice and the intention to organize a family justice summit to explore ADR's role in this area.
The DCJ emphasized the need for collaboration, resource mobilization, and adequate working tools to implement the AJS successfully.
The Committee discussed proposals for "case settlement weeks," where cases will be listed for Mediation over a specified timeframe, and the proposal by Senior Counsel Francis Gimara for an Uganda Alternative Dispute Resolution Week.
They also considered integrating ADR activities into an effective work plan and fostering public engagement through targeted publicity among other methods.
The Committee stressed the importance of providing adequate notice and publicity for ADR events to establish the initiative's credibility and effectiveness.
In attendance were; Hon. Justice Geoffery Kiryabwire (Justice of Appeal), Hon. Justice Richard Wejuli Wabwire(Judge at the International Crimes Division), Solicitor General, Mr. Francis Atoke, Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu, the Under Secretary Ms. Maureen Kasande and Prof. Andrew Khaukha (Judiciary Technical Advisor)
Hon. Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa(Judge at the Criminal Division) and Mr. Gimara were online participants.
HW Dr. Mushabe Alex Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the DCJ), HW Allan Gakyaro (Personal Assistant to the DCJ)were also in attendance.
Posted 25th, May 2024
