Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny Dollo of Uganda has emphasized the importance of formalizing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to enhance the delivery of efficient and harmonious justice.
Speaking at the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices Forum, Dollo highlighted that only 5% of the population bring their cases to formal courts, with the remaining 95% relying on informal methods of dispute resolution, a practice deeply rooted in African traditions.
He shared Uganda's success in resolving 237 cases in a week, with 37 of them settled through ADR, illustrating its potential to reduce the backlog in formal courts.
Chief Justice Dollo, a strong advocate for ADR, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for supporting its adoption as an African dispute resolution method.
Dollo revealed that African Chief Justices have resolved to form the African Chief Justices Forum, with the goal of promoting ADR across the continent to foster sustainable peace and development.
Justice Bheki Maphalala of Eswatini, who also serves as the chairperson of the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices Forum, emphasized the importance of African unity in harnessing the continent's natural resources to combat poverty.
Speaking at the same event, Maphalala expressed concern about the ongoing exploitation of Africa's resources by foreign countries, which has left many nations trapped in poverty despite their wealth in natural assets.
He urged African countries to stop exporting raw materials at low prices, as doing so results in significant revenue losses. Instead, he recommended exporting finished products, which would boost economic returns.
Maphalala highlighted that wealthier countries are better equipped to ensure justice and access to legal services, while poverty continues to hinder justice delivery in many African states.
In his address, Maphalala also spoke about the challenges facing the judiciary in many African nations, including judicial persecution, inadequate infrastructure, and limited budgets.
He noted that the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices Forum was formed voluntarily to promote the rule of law and provide justice for all.
Maphalala expressed gratitude to President Museveni for supporting Uganda's judiciary by improving budgets and infrastructure, such as the construction of a high-standard judicial twin tower and ensuring fair compensation for judges.
He encouraged other African governments to similarly invest in their judiciaries.
