Bugisu leaders welcome launch of Court of Appeal Circuit in Mbale
“Why should cultural institution disputes be brought to court? Such matters should be resolved by clan leaders and community elders,” he said.
Mbale: Leaders from across the Bugisu region have warmly welcomed the launch of the Court of Appeal circuit in Mbale City, calling it a long-overdue and transformative development for justice delivery in Eastern Uganda.
The special session was officially opened today by the Deputy Chief Justice, His Lordship Dr. Flavian Zeija, and was presided over by a coram of four Justices of the Court of Appeal.
Delivering opening remarks, Mr. Fred Waninda, Deputy Registrar of the Mbale High Court and rapporteur for the day, welcomed invited guests from the cultural, security, and enforcement sectors. He emphasized the significance of the session and the strategic importance of decentralizing appellate court services.
“This is a special session, and we thank the judiciary leadership for bringing justice closer to the people,” Waninda said.
Mr. Steven Masiga, spokesperson for the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, commended the judiciary for involving cultural leaders in the Court of Appeal’s processes, especially on matters touching community life.
“It is a wise decision to involve cultural institutions in judicial processes. When we are engaged, we disseminate information to our communities through our clan structures,” Masiga said.
“This court is seated on Bamasaaba land, and it is good practice to involve local stakeholders. I challenge all government institutions to follow this example.”
Masiga informed the Deputy Chief Justice that the Bamasaaba cultural institution has been successfully using Alternative Justice mechanisms as provided under Article 246(2) of the Constitution and Sections 16(1) and (2) of the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act to resolve leadership disputes.
“The peace currently prevailing in Bugisu is largely due to the efforts of elders and government using these traditional structures. Any cases against the cultural institution are a waste of court resources and time,” Masiga added.
Mbale City RCC, Mr. George Wopuwa, called on the judiciary to protect government interests in land matters, warning against illegal land grabbing.
Mr. Agaba Monday, speaking on behalf of the Elgon Regional Police Commander (RPC), assured those present of strong regional security and emphasized that law enforcement would not tolerate any form of instability.
The Mbale City Town Clerk praised the city’s infrastructure and capacity to host high-level judicial institutions, noting that “Mbale has the amenities and is a good place to live and work in.”
However, Mr. Ochom, the DPC Prisons Mbale, raised concern over prison overcrowding and expressed hope that increased civil case resolutions through court sessions and ADR could help decongest correctional facilities.
The RPC for Bukedi Region also welcomed the Court of Appeal to the region and pledged full cooperation from law enforcement.
In his keynote response, Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija reiterated the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), especially in cultural and land-related matters.
“Why should cultural institution disputes be brought to court? Such matters should be resolved by clan leaders and community elders,” he said.
“We are here to promote the Alternative Justice System (AJS), and lawyers must embrace ADR instead of overwhelming the courts with cases that can be resolved through mediation and dialogue.”
He revealed that 95% of all cases in Uganda are already resolved through ADR, and stressed the judiciary’s commitment to expanding its use in line with constitutional provisions.
“Uganda must embrace ADR as a mainstream tool for delivering justice. Courts have been guided to rely on these systems, especially for community and cultural disputes,” Dr. Zeija concluded.
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