By Aggrey Baba
In Uganda, where disputes are as common as the rising sun, the judiciary has decided to seek help from the community’s oldest peacekeepers like the clergy, clan leaders, and local councils.
Court of Appeal Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire recently announced that the Judiciary will train these leaders in Alternative Dispute Resolution to ease the burden on formal courts and speed up justice delivery.
While courts are often overloaded with cases, local councils (LCs) and religious leaders have long been resolving conflicts at the grassroots level, sometimes handling more cases than the judiciary itself.
According to Justice Kiryabwire, this collaboration could be the key to reducing the mounting case backlog.
Addressing the audience at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) in Kampala recently, Kiryabwire explained that “Historically, the Local Council system has been a cornerstone in resolving disputes. They handle more cases than formal courts, and if they stopped, our courts would be even more overwhelmed.”
The decision comes on the heels of the Cabinet’s approval of a white paper on ADR, which aims to make dispute resolution more efficient and accessible. By equipping clan and religious leaders with ADR skills, Kiryabwire believes that communities will benefit from timely resolutions, preventing conflicts from escalating to the courts.
“ADR is a practical solution,” Kiryabwire said. “Instead of dragging a case for years, ADR allows issues to be resolved quickly and fairly, benefiting both clients and legal professionals.”
However, not everyone is on board with the idea. Some lawyers have voiced concerns that ADR could reduce their income, as people may resolve disputes through dialogue, avoiding costly legal battles.
Kiryabwire acknowledged these fears but emphasized the broader benefits of ADR, saying it could free up time for lawyers to handle more cases in less time, which would eventually improve efficiency for everyone.
Dr. Jamil Serwanga, the Vice Rector-in-Charge of Academic Affairs at IUIU, also emphasized the importance of ADR, noting how modern ICT systems are being used to provide students with up-to-date legal knowledge. This, he added, was key in producing well-equipped law students who could make a positive impact in Uganda’s evolving justice system.
In Uganda, where the wise say “a stitch in time saves nine,” Justice Kiryabwire’s initiative is seen as a proactive step towards building a more efficient, fair, and accessible justice system for all.
The future now looks brighter for those who once waited years for their day in court. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
