A team from the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Registry engaged key stakeholders at Mbale and Iganga High Courts reinforcing efforts to strengthen and monitor the implementation of ADR in these regions.
At Mbale High Court, the meeting was chaired by the Head of Circuit, Justice Farooq Lubega, alongside Resident Judge Justice Charles Kasibayo. Attendees included the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Asumin Nasike; Assistant Registrar Rania Nakuyima; Chief Magistrate Susan Awidi; magistrates; registry staff; and representatives from various justice institutions.
Justice Lubega thanked participants for their dedication and urged them to embrace mediation and plea bargaining to improve court efficiency.
He highlighted the need for ongoing training for all actors, including advocates and police officers, to enhance criminal case management.
He also praised the Judiciary’s leadership for championing ADR as an effective dispute resolution tool.
Justice Kasibayo echoed support for ADR, drawing on his experience as a former Administrator General. He noted that many disputes, especially those involving parties with ongoing relationships, are best resolved through mediation, which can deliver quicker and more accessible justice.
The RCC lauded Judiciary initiatives that enable citizens to access justice affordably and pledged her support for ADR.
During the meeting, Zulaika Nanteza, Registrar ADR, presented an overview of Judiciary efforts to revamp ADR and shared best practices in case management.
Nakuyima and Awidi shared personal experiences that motivated participants, while mediators offered recommendations to improve ADR programs.
The meeting closed with a collective pledge to strengthen ADR implementation and calls for more formal and refresher training.
In the afternoon, a similar engagement took place at Iganga High Court, chaired by Resident Judge Justice David Batema.
The meeting was attended by Acting Resident District Commissioner Dauda Kato, LCV Chairperson Ezora Gabula, Assistant Registrar David Sayuni, Chief Magistrate Daniel Epobu, judicial officers, and other justice actors.
Justice Batema emphasized ADR’s cultural roots, noting its alignment with traditional conflict resolution practices.
He urged mediators to look beyond surface disputes, particularly addressing underlying issues such as domestic violence often hidden behind land disputes.
Gabula welcomed the initiative, citing concerns about case delays and endorsing ADR as a faster, relationship-building approach to justice. He pledged to promote ADR throughout Busoga.
The acting RDC, Dauda Kato Dauda, stressed the need to train lawyers on ADR benefits, sharing experiences where some legal practitioners obstructed mediation processes.
He called on stakeholders to embrace ADR, highlighting its affordability and cultural fit for the community.
Assistant Registrar David Sayuni and Chief Magistrate Daniel Epobu also urged full adoption of ADR to reduce case backlogs and improve access to justice.
The session ended with experience sharing and best practices for revitalizing ADR, moderated by Nanteza. Both meetings concluded with strong commitments from stakeholders to champion ADR in their respective roles, marking a significant step toward enhancing justice delivery in the region.