Alternative dispute resolution cost-effective, says Owiny-Dollo
Judicial services should not be viewed merely as consumer services, but also as services that have a direct impact on the economic growth of African nations
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo. (File)
By Michael Odeng
Journalists @New Vision
_________________
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has rooted for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in commerce, saying it is cost-effective and cushions pressure in the economy.
The Chief Justice made the remarks on May 28, 2025, during the first Africa Continent Commercial Courts ADR Summit held at Speke Resort, Munyonyo in Kampala city.
“Effective commercial dispute resolution contributes to the growth of our economies in Africa. As such, judicial services should not be viewed merely as consumer services, but also as services that have a direct impact on the economic growth of African nations,” he said.
Owiny-Dollo thanked the Master of Rolls of England, Sir Geoffrey Vos, for insightful contributions towards the enhancement and growth of ADR in Africa.
He also thanked the Standing International Forum for Commercial Courts (SIFoCC) secretariat, the Africa Chief Justices ADR Forum, Pepperdine University, the Southern and East Africa Chief Justices’ Forum, and the International Development Law Organisation for making these events possible, saying such engagements have been rewarding.
Resolutions
During the summit, the African Chief Justices resolved to promote the use of ADR in their jurisdictions, jointly conduct ADR training involving all key stakeholders, including judges, practising advocates and members of the public.
They also resolved to consider the adoption of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ADR practice, and conduct ADR advocacy activities, including the development of information, education, and communication materials.
The African Chief Justices also resolved to consider holding annual continental summits for commercial courts, hosted in different jurisdictions across Africa, undertake policy formulation and law reform relating to ADR, work closely with court administrators to promote ADR within their judiciaries, promote judicial expertise in commercial dispute resolution and ensure that such expertise remains current, including at the appellate level.
They also pledged to consider mechanisms for litigation funding, identify and apply international best practices in ADR, consider requiring parties to seek permission from the court before filing an appeal and limiting stays of execution pending appeal, exploring the use of appellate mediation, promote the delivery of ex tempore judgments in interlocutory or interim matters, and collaborate with academic institutions to promote ADR.
They reaffirm their commitment to implementing the resolutions. The Secretariat of the Forum will follow up with each jurisdiction and provide a comprehensive report to the Chief Justices’ Forum Joint Meeting.
The Chief Justices across the African continent, under the auspices of the Forum, have recently embarked on a hybrid 12-month master’s programme in International Commercial Arbitration.