URSB Strengthens Quasi-Judicial Capacity Through Advanced Alternative Dispute Resolution Initiatives

By Guest Writer

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its quasi-judicial mandate through a specialised Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training for senior management and legal staff. The hybrid session, held at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre (UBFC) Auditorium, brought together leading legal experts to enhance officers’ capacity in managing disputes within the Bureau’s expanding regulatory framework.

The training comes in recognition of URSB’s evolving role beyond registration services into a central actor within Uganda’s dispute resolution ecosystem. The Bureau administers over twenty laws covering business registration, intellectual property, insolvency, receivership, and security interests, all of which increasingly require structured, efficient, and legally sound dispute resolution mechanisms.

In her opening remarks, Registrar General Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho noted that URSB Registrars routinely make determinations with significant legal and commercial implications, underscoring the importance of strengthening internal dispute resolution capacity. “ADR gives us better tools to ensure decisions are fair, efficient, and legally sound,” she said, highlighting its role in improving service delivery and boosting business confidence.

The training featured technical sessions led by Hon. Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire of the Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court, Dr. Henry Onoria of ALP East Africa, and Ms. Barbara Kilei of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) Uganda. The sessions equipped participants with practical approaches to negotiation, conciliation, mediation, and arbitration within Uganda’s legal framework. The initiative aligns with URSB’s strategic goal of enhancing institutional capacity, strengthening legal processes, and positioning Uganda as an attractive investment destination through efficient dispute resolution.

ADR GAINING REGIONAL AND CONTINENTAL RECOGNITION

In a related development, URSB’s ADR agenda received high-level endorsement during a joint courtesy visit by the Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, and the Chief Justice of Zambia, Justice Dr. Mumba Malila. The visit formed part of engagements under the Africa Chief Justices’ ADR Forum, highlighting the growing importance of alternative justice systems in promoting access to justice and regional legal integration.

During the engagement at URSB headquarters in Kololo, the Chief Justices commended URSB’s role in advancing ADR. Justice Malila highlighted its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and contribution to social harmony. URSB leadership reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to strengthening its quasi-judicial functions and deepening regional collaboration.

Ms. Kainobwisho further noted that URSB successfully resolved 89 disputes in the current financial year, demonstrating the effectiveness of its ADR mechanisms.

URSB continues to position itself as a modern, efficient institution central to business regulation, legal certainty, and dispute resolution in Uganda.

ABOUT URSB

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau is a statutory body mandated to administer laws governing business registration, intellectual property, insolvency, and related regulatory functions.