The Industrial Court
The Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Asaph Ruhindi and The Deputy Chief Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Linda Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha
The Industrial Court was established under the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act, 2006 Cap 224, Laws of Uganda, and section 7. 2006.
The Act was assentenced to on 24th May 2006; and commenced on the 07th August 2006 vide a Ministerial statutory instrument.
COMPOSITION AND SITTING OF THE COURT.
The court consists of the Chief Judge Hon. Justice Ruhinda Asaph Ntengye and the Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Linda Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha appointed by the President of the Republic of Uganda on the recommendation of the Judicial service Commission, and the appointees qualifications are similar to those of Judges of a high court; with tenure of Five years, though the Act is silent on whether their tenure is renewable.
The Judges are assisted by the three (3) other ministerial appointees - one as an independent member from a panel of 05 eminent Ugandans or representatives of employees or employers (who should hold the office for 03 years):- another being a representative of the employers selected from a panel of 05 persons nominated by the Federation of Employers;- and the Third as a representative of the Employees from a panel of 05 persons nominated by the Federation of labour union. The tenure of the last two (2) categories of court members is not prescribed.
The Court sits in open on a day to day basis including the public holidays (Where necessary), and should declare its findings not later than twenty one (21) days from date of commencement of the hearing of the claim.
The hearings are fixed by the Registrar of the court Her. Worship Sylvia Nabaggala. The Registrar and the support staff are appointed by the Public Service Commission.
The Industrial court is a court of equity and not bound by the ordinary rules of evidence.
The Court's Jurisdiction is referral.
The Court's jurisdiction ambit are labour disputes referred to it by a party to a dispute where a labour officer has failed to dispose of the dispute within 08 weeks under the court's regulations as requested under the act, disputes referred by the Labour officer at the request of the party or on the officer's own volition when is unable to resolve the dispute; or by responsible Minister on notice of an intended withdrawal of labour within 05 days.
Appeals can also be filed against labour officers' decision under the Employment Act.
The Court has no original jurisdiction over Labour disputes.
Functions are;-
1. To arbitrate labour disputes referred to it under the Act.
2. Adjudicating questions of Law arising from references to it by any other law.
3. Dispose of the labour disputes without undue delay.
Mission and Vision:
The Court draws its inspirations from the ILO mission: "bringing decent work and livelihoods, job related security and better living standards to the people of both poor and rich countries," and the Judiciary Vision "Justice for All".
The Courts Mission is: "To effectively and efficiently deliver and adjudicate labour justice for all in line with international Labour Organisation standards and National development Plan".
The Court's Vision is: "Labour Justice for All".
The Court's Objectives:
1. To provide a platform for people to equitably express their labour grievances as to achieve equal opportunity in employment in Uganda.
2. To facilitate decent productive work and better living standards to the people through timely adjudication of labour disputes within Uganda.
3. To ensure industrial peace and justice in Uganda economy through timely adjudication of labour disputes.
4. To contribute towards a conducive industrial climate and investment through timely adjudication of labour disputes.
The Court's Targeted Outputs:
1. A fully fledged operational court at the standards of the High Court's division of courts of Judicature of Uganda.
2. 20 references disposed per Month, 60 references disposed in a quarter of the Financial Year, and 240 references disposed annually.
3. 02 regional circuit courts held each with 20 references per quarterly inspection reports made.
4. Monthly inspections conducted by Judges and registrar and Quarterly inspection reports made.
5. An industrial court charter for standards for its court users developed.
HOW THE INDUSTRIAL COURT TRANSFORMS THE ECONOMY.
The industrial court contributes to the aims of social development sector by resolving labour disputes. When labour disputes are allowed to accumulate, workers' discontent remains latent and may at any time explode into violent strikes and lock outs.This kind of situation is not conducive to the economic growth and development of the economy.
Strikes and lock outs cause a decline in production and national income. This lowers the standards of living and leads to unemployment for the effected workers. The courts presence contributes to industrial harmony and peace with consequent economic growth and improved standards of living.
FUNDING FOR THE COURT:
The Industrial Court is funded as a programme under Vote Function 1003: promotion of labour productivity and Employment under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Contacts us:
Location:Plot 25-27, off Martyr's way Ntinda.
Postal-Address: P.O.Box, 21456 Kampala.
Email: info@industrialcourt.go.ug
Website: www.industrialcourt.go.ug
Tel: +256 0414 - 289 974.
+256 0414 -289 975.
+256 0414 - 289 976.
+256 0414 -289 977
