KAMPALA– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has thanked Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo Chigamoy nd the whole Judiciary of Uganda for prioritizing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) which is a people centered approach that promoted togetherness in Africa.
In his message delivered by Vice President Rt. Major , Hon: Jessica Alupo at the graduation Ceremony of eleven individuals including the Chief Justice Aliphonse Owiny Dollo who received master’s dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University (USA), Museveni noted that ADR encourages and allows constructive dialogue and collaboration among conflicting parties thereby promoting lasting peace in the country.
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“I thank you for advancing a philosophy of solving disputes through people centered approach. Before the advent colonialism in Africa ,our fore fathers had developed systems for resolving disputes based on societal values and norms.”
Museveni expressed gratitude to see that the judiciary is moving away from a colonial disposition to an African way of extending justice to our people which is in line with constitution of African countries which mandates court to administer justice in a manner that reflect cultural norms and practice.
“Promoting ADR is cost effective and easier way to dispose off case which means case backlog which is one of the major problem in African judiciary will be no more. It has an effect in promoting stability , lasting peace among our people who will get justice in time at a low cost and in a more peaceful environment.”
Its from this occasion that Museveni congratulated the graduands upon successful completion of their studies at the same time commended Pepperdine University for its tremendous support to the Ugandan Judiciary.
The Chief Justice, Afonse Owiny Dollo Chigamoy thanked the Chief Justices Emeritus who initiated the partnership between Judiciary and Pepperdine University which has enabled them to reap the fruits through graduating with various qualifications in Dispute Resolution.
“The reason of us being eleven was deliberate because if we were to be twelve , you never know there could have had a Judas among us. We thank the administrators, professors at Pepperdine for allowing us to be the pioneers as the first group of people graduating from this University outside California.”
Dollo also noted that this achievement has involved a lot of hard work, team work and spending sleepless nights inorder to attend classes that have been happening at a time when they are almost exhausted from 7pm on wards.
“In a special way, I take this opportunity to welcome our esteemed teachers and facilitators who have managed to join us today. We welcome you Prof. Jim Gash, Prof. Danny De Walt, Prof. Catherine Rodgers, Prof. Alana Knaster, Prof. Sukhisimranjit Singh and your distinguished team, to the Pearl of Africa.”
He further applauded them for having accepted to travel all the way from California where the University Campus is located and agreed to come to hold the graduation ceremony despite of the fact that there was a provision of holding it virtually.
Hon. Nobert Mao, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, at the same time one of the graduates, commended the Judiciary administration for being persistent especially when it comes to implementation of policies and programs.
“This started about 15 years ago by the leaders of Judiciary then. We are celebrating the current leadership of the Judiciary is standing on shoulders of giants which means that the dream doesn’t have to die because the dreamers are not in office.”
“To peperedine, there is a saying that a candle doesn’t lose its brightness by lighting other candles. I think today by lighting these elven candles , you’re going to shine brighter and light more candles.”
The graduands who graduated in Masters in Dispute Resolution and Certificate in International Commercial Arbitration included Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny Dollo, the Chief Justice, his deputy Richard Buteera, Supreme court Justice , Mike Chibita and Hon Norbert Mao , the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Those who were awarded degrees by CARUSO school of Law , Peperedine University were; Court of Appeal justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Judge Richard Wabwire Wejuli, Judge Paul Wolimbwa Gadenya, Francis Atoke, Francis Gimara, Racheal Ajwang Odoi and Andrew Khaukha.
