Judges’ Conference  Push for People-Centred Justice, ADR and Electoral Reforms

Munyonyo,Uganda – Day Two of the 27th Annual Judges’ Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo got underway with a focused and practical programme aimed at strengthening people-centred justice delivery and reinforcing public confidence in the Judiciary.

Vice President Jessica Alupo in a group photo with judges at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Monday.(Courtesy photo)
Discussions throughout the day centred on strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), repositioning Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), enhancing case management, and improving the handling of election petitions—key areas seen as critical to expanding access to justice, reducing case backlog, and improving efficiency within the courts.
The morning sessions opened with a panel on ADR in the Administration of Land Justice, chaired by Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja and led by Lady Justice Damalie Lwanga, Head of the High Court Land Division. The session explored practical ways in which mediation and negotiated settlements can be used to resolve land disputes more efficiently, reduce conflict among disputing parties, and improve access to justice, especially in land-related cases that often linger in court.
Participants then turned their attention to ADR in the Administration of Family Justice, chaired by Lady Justice Jeanne Rwakakooko. Judicial officers reflected on how mediation and other non-adversarial approaches help decongest courts, preserve family relationships, and deliver faster, people-centred outcomes. Emphasis was placed on restorative solutions that prioritise the welfare of families and children, with a plenary session consolidating key lessons from the Family Division.
In the afternoon, focus shifted to Repositioning Alternative Justice Systems to Enhance Access to Justice, chaired by Justice Vincent Mugabo. Discussions examined how community-based and culturally grounded dispute resolution mechanisms can complement formal court processes, particularly for underserved and rural communities. Justice Joel Ngugi of the Court of Appeal of Kenya provided comparative and regional insights on integrating alternative justice approaches within formal judicial systems.
Electoral justice also featured prominently on the day’s programme. Court of Appeal Justice Ssekaana Musa led discussions on Effective Case Management in Election Petitions, highlighting the importance of clarity, thorough reasoning, and timely delivery of judgments in politically sensitive cases as a means of upholding public confidence in the Judiciary.
The final session of the day will focus on Adopting a Uniform and Consistent Approach to Sentencing in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Cases, to be chaired by Lady Justice Eva Luswata of the Court of Appeal. The discussion is expected to underscore the need for harmonised sentencing practices that promote fairness, accountability, and protection for vulnerable persons.
The day will conclude with separate meetings for Justices and Judges, and for Registrars, providing space for administrative coordination and peer engagement. Participants will later reconvene in the evening for the Chief Justice’s Dinner, marking the close of another day of reflection, learning, and shared commitment to strengthening justice delivery.
Keywords: Judges’ Conference, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Judiciary, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Alternative Justice Systems, Land Justice, Family Justice, Electoral Justice, Election Petitions, Case Management, SGBV Sentencing, Access to Justice