The Judicial Training Institute (JTI) has launched a five-day, three-tier capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening case management and deepening the application of Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) among judicial officers.
The training, which opened on Monday, November 24, in Kampala, attracted judges, registrars, and magistrates from the High Court Circuits of Jinja, Lugazi, and Iganga, alongside officers from their respective magisterial areas.
Several judicial officers from Patongo, Kitgum, and Gulu — who missed earlier Northern Region sessions — also joined the programme.
At the opening, JTI Executive Director Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha emphasized the importance of continuous judicial learning in enhancing efficiency and consistency across the Bench.
“The Judiciary’s reform agenda depends on officers who are up-to-date with evolving procedural requirements and modern case management tools,” he said.
Justice Khaukha also congratulated Justice Richard Buteera, Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus, on his recent election to the United Nations Appeals Tribunal, noting that it reflects growing international recognition of Uganda’s judicial leadership.
The programme began with an interactive Mediation Quiz, after which Justice Buteera facilitated a session on mediation practice.
He guided participants through the mediator’s mindset, effective techniques, and the importance of a problem-solving approach.
The session concluded with a plenary discussion where officers shared field experiences.
Justice Khaukha returned later with a second quiz focused on amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules, testing participants’ understanding of key provisions and their practical application in daily judicial work.
Senior judicial officers also contributed to the training. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Izama Madrama lectured on the use of Summons for Directions as a key tool in modern case management, while Court of Appeal Justice Musa Ssekaana analysed the 2019 amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules, highlighting their intended impact on reducing case backlogs and streamlining adjudication.
Participants engaged in practical simulation exercises on mediation and the application of Summons for Directions, enabling them to apply theoretical principles and exchange experiences from their courts.
Former Solicitor General Francis Atoke delivered a session on negotiation skills titled “Unpacking the STAR Approach: Effective and Efficient Negotiation Skills as a Foundation for Successful Negotiation.”
He underscored the importance of structured and purposeful engagement during dispute resolution, particularly in complex civil cases.
This training is part of JTI’s nationwide programme to equip judicial officers with contemporary skills in case management, mediation, and the effective application of the Civil Procedure Rules, ultimately aiming to strengthen public confidence in Uganda’s administration of justice.