The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, yesterday presided over a training on Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) at Acholi Inn Hotel in Gulu. The training organized by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) and the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)Registry brought together judicial officers, cultural and religious leaders, mediators, and legal practitioners from across Acholi region, marking a significant transition from policy formulation to practical implementation.
Delivering her keynote address, Lady Justice Abodo emphasized that AJS in the Gulu High Court Circuit responds directly to the region's pressing justice needs. Citing findings from the Justice Needs and Satisfaction Survey, she noted that Northern Uganda records the highest number of legal problems per capita, averaging 4.7 disputes per person compounded by low levels of financial security. She further highlighted the strain on the formal justice system, revealing that the Gulu Circuit alone has 939 pending cases, with land disputes constituting approximately 41.8% of the caseload. With only two judges and about 21 judicial officers serving a population exceeding 1.1 million people, the ratio places immense pressure on the system and underscores the urgency of complementary justice mechanisms, justice Abodo noted.
The Principal Judge emphasized that the training signals a decisive shift from "talking about reform" to "doing reform." She recalled earlier engagements with community leaders who had questioned the delayed implementation of AJS, reaffirming that the Judiciary is now delivering on its commitments. The initiative builds on the Judiciary's Alternative Justice Systems Strategy(2023) and the National ADR Policy approved by Cabinet in 2025. It also follows the official launch of the AJS rollout in Acholi and Lango sub-regions by the Chief Justice Emeritus in December 2025, noting that this engagement is a direct follow-up intended to move from policy and pronouncement to practical implementation.
Clarifying the role of AJS, Lady Justice Abodo stressed that these systems are not intended to replace formal courts but to complement them. Rooted in traditional and community-based dispute resolution mechanisms, AJS emphasizes reconciliation, restoration of relationships, and social harmony. She pointed out that such approaches are particularly suited for disputes dominating court dockets, especially land conflicts, family disputes, and minor civil matters, while serious criminal offenses remain within the jurisdiction of formal courts.
Anchoring her remarks in constitutional principles, she referenced Article 126 (2)(d) and(e) of the Constitution, which mandate the promotion of reconciliation and substantive justice without undue regard to technicalities.
She outlined a structured framework for implementing AJS within the Gulu Circuit, explaining that judicial officers will identify and refer suitable cases, particularly those involving ongoing relationships and shared cultural or religious contexts. She emphasized that participation must be voluntary, with safeguards in place for vulnerable groups such as women and children. Standardized referral forms and registers have been developed to ensure transparency and accountability, creating a seamless interface between AJS processes and the formal court system. The Principal Judge stressed that these systems must complement rather than compete with each other in achieving timely, fair, and restorative justice.
Lady Justice Abodo highlighted the collaborative roles of stakeholders, noting that judicial officers will act as facilitators and referral points, while cultural and religious leaders will guide community-based dispute resolution processes. Advocates were urged to support their clients, facilitate understanding, and formalize agreements into enforceable consent judgments. She emphasized that principles such as voluntariness, confidentiality, neutrality, and party autonomy must guide all processes, and called on judicial officers, particularly magistrates and registrars, to take ownership of the initiative ,warning that its success or failure in the region will largely depend on their commitment and active participation.
In his remarks, Justice Phillip Odoki warmly welcomed participants and expressed sincere appreciation to the Judiciary leadership for prioritizing the operationalization of Alternative Justice Systems in the region. He observed that the training was both timely and responsive to stakeholder expectations, recalling that during the recent High Court Open Day, cultural leaders and members of the public had raised concerns about delays in implementing AJS despite ongoing sensitization.
He noted that the commencement of the training therefore marks a critical shift from anticipation to action, describing it as part of a longer reform journey culminating in the official launch of the AJS pilot in Acholi and Lango sub-regions in December 2025. He expressed optimism that the training would equip participants with practical skills for immediate implementation and reaffirmed that alternative dispute resolution remains central to enhancing access to justice, reducing case backlog, and delivering community-centered outcomes.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Justice Prof Andrew Khaukha, highlighted the strategic importance of the training, noting that it brings together a faculty that has been directly involved in shaping Uganda’s ADR and AJS legal and policy frameworks. He explained that key members of the faculty, including Justice Richard Buteera, have played central roles in developing proposals on restorative justice, contributing to case backlog reduction strategies, and leading the formulation of the Judiciary's AJS Strategy, the amendment of the Mediation Rules, and the National ADR Policy approved by Cabinet in 2025.
Justice Khaukha further contextualized the training within the realities of case management, observing that while the Gulu Circuit currently handles 939 cases, this figure represents only a fraction of disputes in society. Drawing from justice needs data, he noted that only about 10 percent of disputes reach formal courts, while approximately 90 percent are resolved within communities through informal or traditional mechanisms. He emphasized that despite this, even the small proportion that reaches courts continues to experience delays, reinforcing the need to strengthen mediation and AJS as effective tools for achieving meaningful resolution rather than merely adjudication. Justice Khaukha reiterated that while courts determine cases, mechanisms such as mediation and AJS are better suited to delivering full closure to disputes.
He also explained that the training aims to equip participants with a clear understanding of the newly enacted Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules,2026 (SI 14 of 2026), noting that while AJS practitioners may not apply these rules directly in community settings, the underlying principles are essential in guiding their work. He commended the JTI team for their commitment and coordination efforts in organizing the training.
A key session of the training was delivered by Dr. Henry Onoria of ALP Advocates, who provided an overview of the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules,2026 (SI 14 of 2026). He explained that the Rules establish a robust legal and administrative framework for mediation, including the accreditation and regulation of mediators, clearly defined roles for all actors, and structured procedures governing the mediation process from initiation to conclusion. He emphasized that mediated settlements, once adopted by court, carry the same force as court judgments, and highlighted the introduction of timelines, performance monitoring mechanisms, and provisions for both physical and virtual mediation as measures aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability, and access to justice. Participants were also provided with copies of the Judicature(Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026 to support practical application and reference during and after the training.
Closing the training, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo commended participants for their active engagement throughout the sessions, noting that the discussions had grown increasingly insightful and practical as the day progressed. She described the training as a successful and meaningful launch of the AJS and ADR rollout in the Gulu Circuit, emphasizing that it marked the Judiciary's transition from planning to actual implementation. She expressed appreciation to the faculty, including Justice Richard Buteera, Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus and Mr. Francis Atoke, former Solicitor General, and Dr Henry Onoria, for their continued commitment to shaping and guiding the AJS and ADR framework, and applauded the advocates for their active participation, noting that their presence demonstrated growing confidence in alternative dispute resolution processes.
Reflecting on the deliberations, the Principal Judge underscored that the effectiveness of AJS and ADR will depend significantly on the role of judicial officers and the registry, emphasizing that registrars and magistrates must take the lead in identifying suitable cases, guiding parties, and facilitating referrals. She noted that many court users remain unfamiliar with mediation and must therefore be actively sensitized on its benefits. And called for consistent application of AJS guided by constitutional principles, fairness, and respect for human rights, while cautioning against over-formalization that could undermine the flexibility and community-based nature of the system.
Expressing confidence in the readiness of the Gulu Circuit, she encouraged participants to actively utilize the mediation rules, describing them as dynamic tools that can be refined through continuous use and feedback. She further observed that strengthening AJS and ADR will ease the burden on courts by enabling community-based resolution of appropriate disputes, allowing the formal justice system to focus on more serious matters. She emphasized the value of indigenous knowledge and the role of cultural and religious leaders in delivering restorative justice, noting that such approaches foster reconciliation and sustainable conflict resolution.
At the conclusion of the training, participants were equipped with key operational tools, including AJS Registers for practitioners and AJS institutions, as well as Registers for court case referrals to AJS. These aimed at facilitating structured implementation, effective tracking and accountability within the justice delivery process.
The Gulu training marks the first in a series of engagements, with the next session scheduled to take place today in Lira. As Uganda advances towards a more people-centered justice system, the rollout of AJS and ADR represents a transformative step in bridging formal and informal justice mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of delivering timely, accessible, and restorative justice to communities, particularly in regions with the greatest need.
HW Lillian Bucyana, Ag Registrar, Judicial Training Institute moderated the event.
Posted 4th, May 2026
