Leaders from the Bugisu region have welcomed the opening of the Court of Appeal circuit session in Mbale, describing it as long overdue and a boost to justice delivery in Eastern Uganda.
The session, officially opened today by the Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, featured a coram of four Justices of the Court of Appeal. The event brought together various leaders from the region, including representatives from cultural institutions, local government, the security sector, and the judiciary.
Mr. Fred Waninda, Deputy Registrar of Mbale High Court, served as the day’s rapporteur. He welcomed invited guests and emphasized the special nature of the session. He noted that stakeholders from cultural, enforcement, and security institutions were deliberately invited to foster collaboration and promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
Mr. Steven Masiga, spokesperson of the Bamasaaba cultural institution, praised the decision to involve traditional leaders in the judicial process. He stressed that involving cultural institutions helps in disseminating information to the grassroots through clan structures.
“This is our land, and it is right that we are involved. The Court of Appeal is sitting on Bamasaaba land, and involving us promotes community ownership and access to justice,” Masiga told the court.
He cited Article 246(2) of the Constitution and Sections 16(1)(2) of the relevant statutory laws, which empower cultural institutions to participate in dispute resolution. Masiga said that the peace currently prevailing in Bugisu is largely due to efforts by elders and support from government, especially during past leadership wrangles.
“We used cultural-based mediation to resolve conflict during a very difficult time. Those frameworks worked, and any fresh legal actions against the institution are a waste of court time and resources,” he added.
Mr. George Wopuwa, Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Mbale City, urged the judiciary to protect government land from illegal acquisition.
Mr. Agaba Monday, a Senior Superintendent of Police representing the Elgon Region CID, assured the court that the region remains peaceful and that the police will not tolerate lawlessness.
The Town Clerk of Mbale City expressed confidence in the city’s capacity to host national institutions, saying Mbale has adequate amenities and is conducive for residents and visitors alike.
Mr. Ochom, the District Prisons Commander, raised concerns about overcrowding in prisons and expressed hope that civil sessions such as this one would help reduce congestion through non-custodial resolutions.
The Regional Police Commander (RPC) of Bukedi also welcomed the court’s presence in the region, commending the move as a step toward improved justice access.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija emphasized the importance of resolving cultural and community disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution, rather than litigation.
“Why should clan-based cases end up in court? Clan leaders and community mediators are better placed to handle these matters. Courts must promote ADR,” he said.
He added that 95% of disputes in Uganda can and should be resolved through ADR, noting that the judiciary continues to encourage lawyers to consider mediation and other non-litigious methods for appropriate cases.
“Courts have received guidance to prioritize ADR in line with constitutional provisions. We must reduce the backlog by promoting community-led solutions rather than courtroom battles,” the Deputy Chief Justice concluded.
