President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for the expansion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to the grassroots level, emphasising their affordability and effectiveness in delivering justice.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of 21 newly appointed High Court judges at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni proposed renaming ADR to “Original Dispute Resolution”, arguing that traditional African conflict-resolution methods have long existed and should be embraced alongside formal legal processes.
“In our traditional justice systems, disputes were resolved within families or communities through dialogue. If a woman was unhappy in her marriage, her family and in-laws would mediate a fair resolution. We need to revive and institutionalize such systems,” he stated.
He underscored the need to empower local tribunals to handle minor cases, reducing the burden on formal courts and ensuring swift justice.
“We must take ADR down to the villages. Let local tribunals handle cases like stolen goats or family disputes. It’s cheaper, faster, and culturally relevant,” Museveni added.
The President expressed concern about the expensive and bureaucratic nature of formal legal procedures, urging judicial officers to simplify the justice system to make it more accessible to ordinary citizens.
“Why must people spend years in court over simple disputes? Justice should be about resolving conflicts fairly and efficiently, not dragging cases through endless legal processes,” he noted.
Drawing from history, Museveni cited the biblical wisdom of King Solomon, who settled a child custody dispute by identifying the true mother through a test of compassion.
Justice for Stability and Economic Growth
President Museveni emphasized three core principles that should guide Uganda’s justice system: calmness (obuteka), justice (obulinganiza), and economic strength (enkubito).
He warned against the frequent release of criminals on bail, particularly those who steal government resources meant to uplift vulnerable populations.
“In villages, we give people pigs and chickens under government programs, but when thieves steal them, they get police bonds and court bail. This weakens trust in the justice system,” he said.
Museveni also linked justice to economic realities, explaining that judicial funding must align with Uganda’s economic growth.
“The strength of a blow depends on the muscles. Similarly, the budget depends on the strength of the economy. We are growing, but we must be realistic about demands,” he stated, noting that Uganda currently collects only 13% of its GDP in taxes, compared to Poland’s 20%.
He assured the judiciary of increased funding over time as the economy expands.
Chief Justice and Minister of Justice Endorse ADR
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo echoed the President’s call for strengthening ADR, noting that over 90% of global disputes are resolved through alternative mechanisms rather than formal courts.
“As a judiciary, we are working to formalise these systems to ensure justice remains accessible and efficient,” he said, urging Museveni to allocate a budget for ADR implementation.
Justice Minister Norbert Mao reminded the newly sworn-in judges of their immense responsibility, warning that “history, the people, and their own conscience” would judge their actions.
“Even the most unpopular individuals deserve due process. We must ensure justice is not weaponized against democracy,” he said, praising the diversity of the newly appointed judges as a step toward an inclusive judiciary.
New High Court Judges
The newly sworn-in judges include: Hon. Justice Sarah Langa Siu, Hon. Justice Rosemary Bareebe Ngabirano, Hon. Justice Mary Babirye, Hon. Justice Lillian Alum Omara, Hon. Justice Charles Kasibayo, Hon. Justice Mary Kaitesi Kisakye, Hon. Justice Susan Odongo, Hon. Justice Karooli Lwanga Ssemogerere, Hon. Justice Joanita Gertrude Bushara, Hon. Justice Simon Peter Kinobe Mutegeki, Hon. Justice Vincent Opyene, Hon. Justice Sarah Birungi Kalibbala, Hon. Justice Isaac Teko Bony, Hon. Justice Deepa Verma, Hon. Justice Flavia Grace Lamuno, Hon. Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika, Hon. Justice Kwemara Kafuuzi Gelase, Hon. Justice Godfrey Himbaza, Hon. Justice Andrew Khaukha, Hon. Justice Dr Ginamia Melody Ngwatu and Hon. Justice Ida Nakiganda.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Attorney General Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi, judiciary leadership, and the families of the sworn-in judges.
