JUDICIARY Latest Features

JTI Holds Planning Meeting with Trainers Ahead of Electoral Dispute Resolution Training

The Judicial Training Institute(JTI) today held a strategic planning meeting for Trainers on Electoral Dispute Handling to prepare for the upcoming national training of Judicial Officers on the resolution of election-related disputes. The session brought together senior judicial officers, electoral law experts, and facilitators to review and harmonize the newly developed Training Manual and Facilitators' Guide on the Resolution of Election Disputes for Judicial Officers in Uganda.

Delivering his opening remarks virtually, Justice Mike Chibita, Chairperson of the JTI Governing Council, commended the trainers for their unwavering dedication to strengthening the Judiciary's capacity in electoral justice. He noted that their expertise and experience would be instrumental in ensuring that the forthcoming training, scheduled for 3rd-5th December 2025, is delivered with professionalism, accuracy, and practical relevance. Justice Chibita explained that the Manual had recently been piloted during the Chief Magistrates' training on vote recounts and that feedback from that exercise had been used to refine its content. He emphasised the importance of clearly defining roles and responsibilities among faculty members to promote coherence and effective delivery.

Welcoming the facilitators, JTI Executive Director, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, highlighted that the selected faculty had been carefully chosen under Justice Chibita's guidance. He underscored that the planning session was intended to harmonise the programme and strengthen coordination ahead of the December training for High Court Judges.

During the meeting, faculty members reviewed the draft programme for the upcoming training, ensuring it aligns with the Manual’s objectives and the Judiciary's broader commitment to promoting credible, timely, and consistent adjudication of electoral disputes. The introductory session guided participants through the overall purpose and scope of the Manual, which is designed to equip judicial officers with a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional and legal framework governing elections, procedural requirements for filing and hearing election petitions, evidentiary standards in electoral disputes, and best practices that support impartial and expeditious dispute resolution.

The meeting was chaired by Justice John Eudes Keitirima, Head of the Family Division, and facilitated by Counsel Jude Byamukama, with coordination by HW Mallen Obizu, Magistrate Grade I at JTI. Participants included Justices Phillip Odoki, Boniface Wamala, Christine Kaahwa and Patricia Basaza Wasswa; Dr. Jennifer Angeyo from the Electoral Commission; former Solicitor General Mr. Francis Atoke; and Advocates; Caleb Alaka and Jude Byamukama. Also in attendance were Chief Magistrate HW Nasambu Esther Rebecca, Magistrates Grade I Josephine Nakato and Pamela Karamagi, and Mr. Cornelius Kiyuba, a Mediator at JTI.