Entebbe– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today emphasized the need to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, calling for their expansion to grassroots levels as a more effective and affordable means of justice.
He made the call while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of 21 recently appointed judges of the High Court at State House, Entebbe.
The judges sworn-in 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.
Speaking to the judicial officers, President Museveni proposed renaming ADR to “Original Dispute Resolution,” arguing that traditional systems of resolving conflicts have long existed in African cultures and should be embraced alongside formal legal processes.
“According to our original dispute resolution, like in Banyankole tradition, if a woman was unhappy in her marriage, she would return to her parents, and both families would sit down and have aroundtable discussion. Whoever was found wrong, be it the husband or wife would pay some sort of compensation, except in Serious cases like murder,” he said.
He thus reiterated his call to expand ADR to every corner of Uganda, emphasizing the need for fast, fair, and affordable dispute resolution.
The President stressed that local tribunals should be empowered to handle minor cases, reducing the burden on formal courts and ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly.
“We need to take ADR down to the villages, Let the local tribunals handle cases like stolen goats or family disputes. It’s cheaper, Quicker, and rooted in our culture,” he said.
In society. He explained that when justice is delayed or denied, it creates anger and unrest, undermining social harmony.
“Justice should ensure calmness in the country. No one should feel angry because of failure to get justice,” he said.
He pointed out the dangers of releasing criminals back into the Community through police bonds and judicial bails, especially those who steal resources meant to uplift vulnerable populations.
“In villages, we give people pigs, chickens, and other support under government programs, but when thieves steal these, the police give them bonds, and the courts give them bail. This discredits the justice system at the grassroots level,” President Museveni noted.
He called for a justice system that resolves disputes quickly and fairly, preventing unnecessary tension and frustration among the People.
The President emphasized that justice must focus on equality and fairness, ensuring that those who have been wronged receive redress. According to him, the judicial system should be driven by the need to protect the rights of victims and hold offenders accountable without bias or unnecessary delay.
“Justice means ensuring there is fairness for the one who is Wronged,” he said.
He urged judicial officers to recognize that justice is not just about legal procedures but about achieving real solutions for the people.
In society. He explained that when justice is delayed or denied, it creates anger and unrest, undermining social harmony.
“Justice should ensure calmness in the country. No one should feel angry because of failure to get justice,” he said.
He pointed out the dangers of releasing criminals back into the community through police bonds and judicial bails, especially those who steal resources meant to uplift vulnerable populations.
“In villages, we give people pigs, chickens, and other support under Government programs, but when thieves steal these, the police give them bonds, and the courts give them bail. This discredits the justice system at the grassroots level,” President Museveni noted.
He called for a justice system that resolves disputes quickly and fairly, preventing unnecessary tension and frustration among the People.
The President emphasized that justice must focus on equality and fairness, ensuring that those who have been wronged receive redress. According to him, the judicial system should be driven by the need to protect the rights of victims and hold offenders accountable without bias or unnecessary delay.
“Justice means ensuring there is fairness for the one who is wronged,” he said.
He urged judicial officers to recognize that justice is not just about legal procedures but about achieving real solutions for the people.
“It’s not that we didn’t want to pay better before, but the economy was small. Now, it is growing, but we cannot demand money at the wrong time,” he explained.
Drawing from Uganda’s history, President Museveni reminded his audience that when the National Resistance Army (NRA) was being built, soldiers worked for little or no pay because the economy could not support higher wages.
He assured the judiciary that judicial budgets would increase over time as the economy continues to expand.
“The issue of the budget will increase , it’s just a question of when, not whether,” he said.
President Museveni further congratulated the newly appointed Judges and reminded them of their critical role in upholding justice, promoting calmness, and aligning their work with the country’s economic realities.
He urged them to embrace ADR as a vital tool for dispute resolution, ensuring that the justice system remains accessible, fair, and responsive to the needs of all Ugandans.
“Let justice bring calmness, fairness, and economic strength,” he concluded.
On his part, the Chief Justice of Uganda, His Lordship Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, also highlighted the importance of ADR in delivering Justice, urging judicial officers to embrace and strengthen the System.
“It’s not that we didn’t want to pay better before, but the economy was small. Now, it is growing, but we cannot demand money at the wrong time,” he explained.
Drawing from Uganda’s history, President Museveni reminded his audience that when the National Resistance Army (NRA) was being built, soldiers worked for little or no pay because the economy could not support higher wages.
He assured the judiciary that judicial budgets would increase over time as the economy continues to expand.
“The issue of the budget will increase , it’s just a question of when, not whether,” he said.
President Museveni further congratulated the newly appointed Judges and reminded them of their critical role in upholding justice, promoting calmness, and aligning their work with the country’s economic realities.
He urged them to embrace ADR as a vital tool for dispute resolution, ensuring that the justice system remains accessible, fair, and responsive to the needs of all Ugandans.
“Let justice bring calmness, fairness, and economic strength,” he concluded.
On his part, the Chief Justice of Uganda, His Lordship Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, also highlighted the importance of ADR in delivering Justice, urging judicial officers to embrace and strengthen the system.
Minister also praised the diversity of the newly appointed judges, noting that their varied backgrounds would greatly enrich the judiciary and strengthen its ability to serve all Ugandan.
“We thank you, Your Excellency, for the diversity reflected in these appointments. It is refreshing to have judges who truly understand the different regions and cultures of Uganda. This fosters inclusivity and strengthens our justice system,” he remarked.
“Just like tomatoes, oranges, and other fruits come together to make a good salad, so too does the diversity within our judiciary create unity and balance,” he said.
Hon. Mao further highlighted the growth of Uganda’s judiciary, made possible by the country’s expanding economy.
“We should celebrate the fact that we have an economy capable supporting a judiciary with over 100 High Court judges, 35 justices of the Court of Appeal, and soon, 15 justices of the Supreme Court,” he stated.
The ceremony was also attended by Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi, the Deputy Attorney General, Judiciary leadership, family members of the sworn-in judges, among others.
