Justice Chibita Calls for Proactive Case Management as JTI Concludes Civil Trial Procedure Training
The Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) and Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mike Chibita, today officially closed a two-day training on Civil Trial Procedure, urging judicial officers to adopt proactive case management practices, embrace mediation, and make full use of procedural tools to enhance the timely administration of justice.
The training, organised by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), brought together Judicial Officers from the Western Region Cluster II, including Judges, Registrars, and Magistrates, at the Court of Appeal Conference Hall.
In his closing remarks, Justice Chibita noted that the training had provided participants with an opportunity to revisit the fundamental principles underpinning civil justice, examine procedural challenges, and explore practical approaches to improving efficiency, fairness, and consistency in the handling of civil matters.
He emphasized that timelines in civil procedure are not merely administrative requirements but are central to effective case management and the realization of the constitutional principle of timely justice. He observed that without clear timelines for filing pleadings, conducting hearings, and delivering judgments, cases risk remaining unresolved for prolonged periods.
Justice Chibita recalled the past practice where matters would be adjourned sine die, making them difficult to trace and conclude, and expressed hope that such occurrences are now a thing of the past. He stressed that effective case management requires judicial officers to take a proactive role in monitoring cases and making use of procedural tools such as summons for directions and pre-hearing conferences to ensure compliance with procedural requirements, identify delays early, and facilitate timely intervention.
He acknowledged that the application of summons for directions has often been interpreted differently across courts but expressed confidence that the training had equipped participants with a clearer understanding of its proper application. According to Justice Chibita, proactive use of such mechanisms helps prevent abuse of court processes through delaying tactics and unnecessary interlocutory applications while safeguarding court users from the prejudice associated with prolonged litigation.
Justice Chibita further encouraged judicial officers to cultivate a mediator's mindset, emphasizing that registrars and judicial officers have a vital role in guiding parties towards alternative dispute resolution wherever appropriate. He challenged participants to evaluate every case file for its potential for amicable settlement and called for greater utilization of mediation as an effective means of resolving disputes.
He noted that many jurisdictions around the world successfully resolve the majority of disputes through mediation and reiterated the Chief Justice's message that while courts determine cases, they do not necessarily resolve disputes. He therefore encouraged judicial officers to view themselves not only as adjudicators but also as problem-solvers committed to helping parties achieve lasting and mutually acceptable solutions.
Justice Chibita commended the facilitators for delivering insightful presentations. He applauded the participants for their active engagement, thoughtful contributions, and willingness to share experiences throughout the training. He observed that such exchanges strengthen the Judiciary's collective capacity to deliver justice more effectively.
As the Judiciary continues implementing reforms aimed at improving access to justice, Justice Chibita urged judicial officers to remain at the forefront of these initiatives through consistent application of the knowledge and skills acquired during the training
He also expressed appreciation to the Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, the JTI management and staff, registrars, facilitators, and the entire organising team for their continued commitment to building the capacity of judicial officers across the country.
The ceremony concluded with the award of certificates of completion to participants.
Earlier in the day, participants attended a session on the Background and Rationale for the Introduction of Summons for Directions, facilitated by Justice Christopher Izama Madrama, Justice of the Supreme Court. The programme also featured a plenary discussion, a simulation and group exercise, and group presentations that enabled participants to practically apply the concepts covered during the training. Participants later attended a session on the Application of the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules for Effective Case Management, with particular focus on Witness Statements and Summons for Directions, facilitated by Justice Musa Ssekaana, Justice of the Court of Appeal, before concluding with a plenary discussion and the official closing ceremony.
The training was moderated by HW Lillian Bucyana, Registrar in-charge of the Judicial Training Institute, assisted by HW Nakibuule Gladys Kisekka, Deputy Registrar, Judicial Training Institute.
Posted 25th, June 2026
