By Kooko Lawrence
Uganda will host a continental conference on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), bringing together mediators, arbitrators, judicial officers, policymakers and private sector leaders to discuss ways of resolving disputes outside the courts.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao said the conference, titled Gumzo La Edyara, will promote practical use of mediation, arbitration and other ADR mechanisms in handling disputes affecting communities and businesses.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Mao said ADR can help reduce court case backlogs while providing faster and less confrontational ways of resolving disputes.
He added that stronger dispute resolution systems are important as Africa deepens economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, where businesses require reliable mechanisms for settling disputes.
Jeffrey Atwine, Acting Commissioner in charge of ADR at the Ministry of Justice, said the five-day conference will include dialogue sessions, training workshops and sector discussions on mediation, arbitration and adjudication.
