Traditional, religious leaders key in dispute resolution — DCJ Buteera

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KAMPALA - Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera says religious and traditional leaders play a crucial role in dispute resolution.

Buteera made the remarks on July 16, 2024, while meeting Commonwealth Lawyers Association president Peter Maynard, who paid a courtesy call on him at his office in the Court of Appeal, Kampala.

Maynard was accompanied by Pheona Wall Nabasa, a council member of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. Nabasa is also the former Uganda Law Society president.

“Judiciary's initiative is to involve traditional and religious leaders in resolving disputes,” Buteera said.

Buteera noted that applying alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and plea bargaining, could significantly reduce case backlog and expedite the justice process.

The DCJ appreciated the Commonwealth Lawyers Association’s training programs, particularly those focused on alternative dispute resolution.

“When you talk about alternative dispute resolution, that is something dear to us,” Buteera said, explaining that the Judiciary has a mediation programme and has trained 72 mediators including retired judges.

He expressed interest in the Commonwealth Lawyers Association’s training programmes for lawyers in mediation, stating that lawyers trained in alternative dispute resolution could effectively promote mediation as a dispute resolution method.

According to the Judiciary, the purpose of the visit was to discuss the activities of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and to invite Buteera to attend its conference, scheduled for April 6 to 10, 2025, in Malta. Additionally, Maynard sought to explore future partnerships with the Judiciary.

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association plays a pivotal role in advocating for the promotion of the rule of law, access to justice and the promotion of human rights.

The DCJ expressed gratitude for the visit, noting the importance of collaboration between the Judiciary and legal practitioners.

He emphasised that the Judiciary relies on lawyers who represent the public and bring cases before the courts, highlighting that a mutual understanding between the Judiciary and lawyers fosters better public trust.

He praised the Commonwealth Lawyers Association’s program for training young lawyers, emphasizing that well-trained lawyers help move cases faster and ensure fair justice.

Maynard disclosed that the Commonwealth Lawyers Association conducts training across Commonwealth member countries. These include clinical legal education and the promotion of alternative dispute resolution, particularly mediation, to foster a culture of quick and affordable justice.

He said the association also provides training in family and commercial law and offers talent development programs for young lawyers within the Commonwealth member countries. The association also runs projects to help refugees gain access to justice.