Editorial
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has on Tuesday emphasized the need to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, calling for their expansion to grassroots levels as a more effective and affordable means of justice.
He made the call while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of 21 recently appointed judges of the High Court at State House, Entebbe.
Speaking to the judicial officers, President Museveni proposed renaming ADR to “Original Dispute Resolution,” arguing that traditional systems of resolving conflicts have long existed in African cultures and should be embraced alongside formal legal processes.
He thus reiterated his call to expand ADR to every corner of Uganda, emphasizing the need for fast, fair, and affordable dispute resolution.
The President stressed that local tribunals should be empowered to handle minor cases, reducing the burden on formal courts and ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly.
The President urged the judiciary to prioritize justice for the common person, emphasizing three key principles that should guide the justice system: calmness, justice, and economic strength.
President Museveni further appealed to the judiciary to reconsider the frequent granting of bail to offenders, especially those involved in stealing government resources intended to support local communities.
