The Gambian Chief Justice Pays Courtesy Call on Ugandan Chief Justice Ahead of Inaugural Africa Continent Commercial Courts Summit
The Chief Justice of The Gambia, Hon. Justice Hassan Bubacar Jallow, paid a courtesy visit to Uganda's Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny -Dollo, this afternoon at the Supreme Court in Kampala.
The visit comes on the eve of the inaugural Africa Continent Commercial Courts Summit, which opens tomorrow at the Speke Resort, Munyonyo.
The two-day summit, jointly organized by the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC) and the Africa Chief Justices ADR Forum, will run from May 23 to 24, 2025. It will bring together sitting and retired Chief Justices, legal practitioners, and ADR experts from across Africa to share experiences and explore innovations in commercial dispute resolution.
During their meeting, the Chief Justices discussed strengthening cooperation between the judiciaries of Uganda and The Gambia. They agreed on several collaborative initiatives, including joint training for ADR practitioners and an exchange programme where judges from each country will mediate cases across jurisdictions.
Justice Jallow expressed gratitude for what he described as a brotherly relationship between the two countries' judiciaries. He praised Uganda’s leadership in promoting ADR and called the country "a home away from home." He also commended the growth of the Africa Chief Justices ADR Forum in its first year and looked forward to further engagement.
The Chief Justices also discussed the upcoming Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Conference to be hosted later this year in The Gambia. Justice Jallow requested his Ugandan counterpart to participate and lead discussions, particularly on ADR-a key topic on the conference agenda.
After the meeting, Chief Justice Owiny - Dollo took his guests on a tour of the Supreme Court. Thereafter, they visited the chambers of Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, who serves as Chairperson of the Court Accredited Mediators in Uganda.
Justice Buteera shared insights on Uganda's ADR journey, including the Judiciary's case settlement weeks and the growing use of Plea Bargaining. He cited a recent milestone in which a high-profile murder case involving the late prosecutor Joan Kagezi was resolved through a plea bargain resulting in a 35-yearsentence.
He reiterated that ADR remains a flagship initiative under the stewardship of Chief Justice Owiny - Dollo and affirmed that a comprehensive ADR framework will be firmly in place by the time the Chief Justice retires next year. Justice Buteera further called for the inclusion of ADR in legal education, urging law schools to involve professors in teaching mediation and negotiation skills.
The Gambian delegation concluded their visit with a tour of the Supreme Court's modern facilities, including courtrooms, wellness spaces, a gym, sauna, and massage area. The guests expressed admiration for the infrastructure and Uganda's commitment to justice reform and innovation.
Posted 22nd, May 2025
