KAMPALA, Uganda| The Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Nzeija has urged judicial actors and judicial officers to embrace the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms to complement formal court processes.

Nzeija made the remarks while presiding over his first criminal appeals session at Masindi High Court, which will run for 3 days, in which 27 criminal appeals cases will be heard together with Justices Christopher Gashirabake and Lady Justice Ketrah Kitarisibwa Katunguka.

Zeija urged judicial officers to include plea bargaining, reconciliation, juvenile diversions, mediation, negotiation, arbitration and conciliation, further committing to reducing case backlogs, providing timely justice and ensuring equitable access to justice regardless of citizens’ social or economic status.

” Tap from the experiences of retired judicial officers, senior advocates, and religious leaders in your area to help you carry out mediation, and this will help you reduce the caseloads before your courts.” Zeija urged.

Zeija also expressed concern to the office of the ODPP, advocates, and other actors who ensured the smooth commencement of the session reassured participants that judgements from the session would be delivered on time and encouraged all stakeholders to maintain the coordination and cooperation already demonstrated.

According to Registrar of Court of Appeal HW Rukundo, Owembabazi of the ten appeals, two were dismissed upon withdrawal, one for murder and another for aggravated defilement, and they are set to deliver judgements on three murder convictions, aggravated robbery and aggravated defilement convicts and another for aggravated defilement, with three appellants challenging life sentences for murder convictions.

Zeija further encouraged relevant authorities for feedback and resolution, noting that digital transformation is underway, with the Electronic Court Case Management Information System soon to be rolled out in circuit, allowing for remote filing and improved efficiency.

Lady Justice Mary Babirye, the Resident Judge of Masindi High Court, reported that since her deployment she has met all the stakeholders, including the DPP, police, resident district commissioners, and prison legal aid officers, as a means of strengthening collaboration.