The Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ), Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija this evening, presided over the closing of a one-day training for members of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) on the Alternative Justice Strategy (AJS) at the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), Nakawa.
The training, designed to support the Judiciary's policy on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and the Government's National Policy on Alternative Justice Strategy, sought to equip religious leaders with practical skills in conflict resolution, mediation, and leadership in AJS.
In his address, Justice Dr. Zeija commended participants for embracing the training, noting that religious leaders hold a unique position of trust and influence in Uganda’s deeply religious society.
"Uganda is a very religious nation. The majority of our people believe in you and in your religious decisions," he said. "The Judiciary recognizes that you are better positioned to resolve many disputes by virtue of your positions, the respect you command in society, and the faith that the people you lead have in you and the religious institutions you represent."
The DCJ observed that only a small percentage of Ugandans pursue justice in formal courts, with most preferring informal or traditional mechanisms due to delays and technicalities in the formal system. He emphasized that AJS provides a cost-effective and timely path to justice and announced that it will be incorporated into the Judiciary’s next Strategic Plan as part of broader reforms in case management. He urged participants to act as ambassadors of AJS in their communities.
The Executive Director of JTI, Justice Andrew Khaukha, described the training as a first step in rolling out AJS after Cabinet's approval of the National ADR Policy. He reaffirmed the Judiciary's collaboration with IRCU in dispute mediation and emphasized the Judiciary's commitment to strengthening the capacity of religious leaders in community-based justice interventions.
Representing IRCU, Bishop Anthony Zziwa thanked the Judiciary for empowering religious leaders with knowledge and tools to support ADR and AJS. He underscored the values-based approach to conflict resolution rooted in reconciliation, forgiveness, and restorative justice, particularly beneficial for underserved rural communities. He also requested expedited finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IRCU and the Judiciary, as well as exposure visits to successful regional AJS initiatives, such as the Nakuru Peace and Reconciliation Centre in Kenya.
The training was facilitated by eminent jurists and legal experts, including Justice Richard Buteera (DCJ Emeritus), Justice Dr. Yorokamu Bamwine (Principal Judge Emeritus), Justice David Wangutusi (Retired), former Solicitor General Mr. Francis Otuke, and Senior Counsel Francis Gimara. Sessions covered negotiation and mediation techniques, AJS leadership, practical simulations, and best practices.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to participants and was moderated by HW Lillian Bucyana, Acting Registrar of JTI.
Posted 28th, August 2025
