KAMPALA-The Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera , has called upon the general public to embrace Alternative Despute Resolution (ADR) mechanism in solving their grievances since it comes with a lot of benefits.
Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera addressing the participants on Monday (Photo by Judiciary)
While officiating the grand opening of Family Justice summit held at Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala , Buteera revealed that the laws governing mediators in ADR cases, bar them from discussing the details of the matter with none parties which maintains privacy.
“ADR should be embraced in resolving family disputes because of being confidential. Secondly being that the process doesn’t take long, its good for disposing off family matters especially those including children because they grow and move on.”
He also added that family is a foundation of social economic transformation and thus the need to maintain them happy and peaceful.
H.E Maria Håkansson , the Sweden Ambassador to Uganda commended Ugandan government for prioritizing ADR mechanisms in enhancing access to justice, as she committed on behalf of the Swedish government to continue supporting the government in strengthening the rule of law and democracy.
Lady Justice Elizabeth Alidviza the leader of International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) Uganda Chapter, welcomed the summit for being timely and aimed at dealing with crucial matters that affect majority of Ugandans
“Family is the major rock for building the society and government is responsible for nurturing strong families. Most of the family matters in court include Child custody battles, family break ups , separation and divorce as well as issues relating to rampant domestic violence.” remarked Alidviza
She further added that the discussions at this summit, will form a basis for discussion of fundamental issue on family Justice since they will be engaging more about family Justice , property rights among the families , better practices in handling child justice, introduction of youth justice and implications on family Justice.
Martin Asingwire, the Vice President of Uganda Law Society, expressed the need for more sensitization among legal practitioners involved in the process as well as the members of the general public
The participants In this summit include Judicial officers, Court accredited mediators and stakeholders from the Justice Law and Order Sector as well as Development partners like Swedish Embassy ,UNDP,UNDP, ADC,IDLO
Some of the Judicial officers who participated in the summit
The two day Family Justice Summit is running under the theme “ Alternative Dispute Resolution as an enabler to promoting effective and Harmonizing co-existence in families and communities”.
The summit will also involve sessions that are intended to explore the applications of new changes in the succession Law, navigate the place of Alternative Dispute Resolution in settlement of Family Disputes and identify policy areas for reform.
