The Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus, Justice Richard Buteera, has urged newly trained mediators from the Eastern Region to take personal responsibility for continuous learning and professional growth. He reminded them that the training they had just completed was "an introduction, not a comprehensive course" to the practice of mediation.
Justice Buteera, who is the Chairperson of Court-Accredited Mediation, made the remarks while officially closing the Mediation Training for Eastern Region Mediators, on behalf of the Acting Principal Judge, Lady Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga. He extended gratitude to the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), facilitators, and participants for their dedication, describing the session as "particularly engaging" and commending the mediators for their active involvement.
Earlier, the Executive Director of JTI, Justice Andrew Khaukha, engaged participants in a lively Mediation Quiz on the Dos and Don'ts of mediation. The quiz served as both an interactive recap and a reinforcement of the day’s lessons, highlighting the ethical principles and best practices expected of accredited mediators.
Justice Buteera emphasized that while participants would receive accreditation, this should not be mistaken for mastery.
"Even those who attend longer courses do not achieve full mastery of mediation immediately. It is a skill that requires continuous learning and refinement," he cautioned.
He encouraged the mediators to make use of available resources, including online platforms, books, and research publications, to deepen their understanding. He stressed the importance of self-learning, curiosity, and open-mindedness in refining their skills.
Justice Buteera observed that the training provided a strong foundation, but true expertise would come only through practice, research, and consistent self-improvement. He thanked the participants for their enthusiasm, noting that such commitment is vital for advancing mediation as a reliable tool for access to justice and conflict resolution.
The training ended with the awarding of Certificates of Completion, marking the successful conclusion of a highly interactive and enriching programme.
Posted 16th, October 2025
