The Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny – Dollo, this morning presided over the official opening of a joint training programme on case management for judicial officers, currently underway at Acholi Inn in Gulu City.
The one-week training, organised by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) in collaboration with the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Registry, is being held under the theme “Judicial Effectiveness through Improved Case Management.” It has drawn participation from Judges, Deputy Registrars, Chief Magistrates, and Magistrates Grade One serving in the High Court Circuits of Kitgum, Patongo, Gulu, and Lira.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Justice underscored the Judiciary’s commitment to enhancing access to justice through efficient pre-trial and trial processes, improved judgment writing, and the integration of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. He stressed that continuous capacity building and innovation remain key to improving justice delivery in the country.
On arrival, the Chief Justice was received by a delegation of senior Judicial Officers and partners including Justice Yorokamu Bamwine, Principal Judge Emeritus; Justice Philip Odoki, Head Gulu High Court Circuit, Justice Prof Andrew Khaukha, Executive Director of JTI and Justice David K. Wangutusi, retired Judge of the High Court.
Present;HW Nanteza Zulaika representing the Chief Registrar, Ms. Barbara Kilei, Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Country Manager for IDLO Uganda. The ceremony is being moderated by HW Lillian Bucyana, Acting Registrar of the Judicial Training Institute.
A key highlight of the opening ceremony is the Chief Justice’s planned commissioning of all participants as accredited mediators. In addition, he will officially launch a new Mentorship and Guidance Programme for Judicial Officers, aimed at reinforcing the practical application of the skills gained during the workshop.
The mentorship initiative will see faculty members assigned to small groups of Judicial Officers for continued support and guidance. This follow-up framework is intended to promote the adoption of best practices in case management, enhance judgment writing, and strengthen the use of ADR techniques. It also seeks to address challenges experienced in court operations by offering tailored advice and problem-solving sessions, while encouraging sustained engagement with the training’s objectives to achieve long-term improvements in judicial efficiency and service delivery.
Ruth Ashaba