The Deputy Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, has called on Justices of the Court of Appeal to uphold collegiality, embrace technology, and promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as key tools for enhancing access to justice and efficiency within the Judiciary.
His remarks were delivered by Justice Geoffrey Kiryabirwe, who represented him at the closing ceremony of a five-day induction training for newly appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal, held at the Imperial Golf View Hotel, Entebbe.
The induction, organized by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) in partnership with the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), aimed to orient the new Justices on the mandate, values, and operational culture of the Court.
The programme concluded with the presentation of Certificates of Completion and Instruments of Appointment as Court-Annex Mediators.
In his message, Dr. Zeija commended the Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, for his commitment to continuous professional development within the Judiciary.
He also applauded the JTI Governing Council and its Executive Director, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, for organizing the timely and impactful programme.
“We have been called to serve at a level where our work will shape jurisprudence and define the course of justice in our country,” Dr. Zeija stated. “As appellate Justices, our responsibility goes beyond error correction. We are custodians of precedent, interpreters of the Constitution, and guardians of the rule of law.”
The Deputy Chief Justice emphasized the importance of ADR in decongesting courts and fostering reconciliation among litigants.
“ADR enhances the delivery of justice by offering a more participatory, cost-effective, and restorative path to resolving disputes,” he said, urging the Justices to adopt a “Judicial Officer Mediator Mindset” grounded in empathy, impartiality, and creativity.
Dr. Zeija also highlighted the Judiciary’s ongoing digital transformation through initiatives such as the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), virtual hearings, and e-filing.
“Technology enhances not only the speed of our work but also the integrity of the judicial process. A modern Court of Appeal must be both intellectually and technologically proficient,” he noted.
On collegiality, he reminded the Justices that harmony and mutual respect are essential to effective appellate adjudication.
“Collegiality requires humility, the willingness to listen, and the ability to differ without hostility. When we work together harmoniously, we enrich our jurisprudence and strengthen the institutional integrity of the Judiciary.”
He reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to reviewing the Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court Rules based on insights gained from the training, emphasizing that “justice is not only about the decisions we make, but also about the fairness and transparency of the processes we follow.”
Justice Kiryabirwe officially closed the induction on behalf of the Deputy Chief Justice, marking the end of a week of learning, reflection, and engagement aimed at strengthening appellate adjudication in Uganda.
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