The Judiciary Law Reform Committee, chaired by the Principal Judge, Dr Flavian Zeija, held a meeting at the Supreme Court Building Conference Hall.
The Principal Judge noted that although the Committee had been in existence since2018 by an Office Instruction from the Chief Justice, it was now formally established by the Administration of the Judiciary (Establishment of Committees) Regulations 2023.
"...This Committee was established under Regulation 23, with its functions outlined in Regulation 24..."
Justice Dr. Zeija highlighted that, since its inception, the Committee has processed approximately 15 Rules and Practice Directions. Adding that the Committee has also drafted The Judicature (Cases of Persons with Disability) Rules, 2024, The Constitution (Guidelines for Child-Friendly Standards and Procedures)(Practice) Directions, 2022, and The Constitution (Operation of Mobile Courts)Practice Directions, 2023. He also noted the completion of the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
He outlined the agenda for the meeting, which included discussions on The Judicature (Mediation) (Amendment) Rules, 2024, the Registries Operations Manual, The Judicature (High Court) (International Crimes Division) (Amendment)Rules, 2024, The Judicature (Court of Appeal Rules) Directions and Practice Direction for the Management of Exhibits.
Justice Dr. Zeija emphasized the Committee's method of generating work through subcommittees and informed new members about their upcoming integration into these groups. For the day's agenda, Justice Mike Chibita and Justice Christopher Madrama would lead the sub-committee on the Court of Appeal Rules; Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire and Senior Counsel Francis Gimara would guide the Mediation Rules sub-committee; while Justice John Eudes Keitirima would oversee the work on rules for exhibit management. The head of the Criminal Division would be co-opted when necessary. Additionally, Justice Mike Chibita would lead amendments to the International Crimes Division (ICD) Rules with support from the Deputy Head-ICD. Technical assistance for all sub-committees would be provided by Prof Andrew Khaukha, the Judiciary's Technical Advisor.
Justice Dr. Zeija also highlighted the importance of advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), especially with the Deputy Chief Justice's initiative to implement Mediation across the country. He proposed that the Mediation sub-committee develop a training manual for mediators, guidelines for accreditation, performance monitoring, a code of conduct, oversight terms of reference, and draft guidelines for accrediting Mediation training institutions. He suggested these should align with the National ADR policy under Cabinet consideration, spearheaded by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The sub-committee on The Judicature (Mediation) (Amendment) Rules, 2024 presented a draft that generated substantial feedback.
Members in attendance included; Justice Musa Ssekaana (Head, Civil Division), HW Sarah Langa Siu (Chief Registrar and Committee Secretary), Registrars; HW Rosemary Bareebe (High Court), HW Mary Kaitesi (Magistrates Affairs and Data Management), HW Thadius Ayebare Tumwebaze (Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Justice), HW John Paul Edoku (Planning, Research and Development). Deputy Registrars; HW Dr Alex Mushabe Karocho (Private Legal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Justice), HW Patricia Amoko (Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Registrar), Prof Andrew Khaukha (Judiciary Technical Advisor), HW Juliet Kyomugisha (Ag Assistant Registrar, Family Division), HW Julius Mwesigye(Personal Assistant to the Principal Judge), and Dr. Henry Onoria were also present.
Posted 12th, November 2024
