The High Court in Gulu has reported a decline in the backlog of cases due to the introduction of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), with at least 2,333 cases in the last three years, Resident Judge, Justice Phillip Odoki revealed.
The judge underscored strains in the judiciary, like a limited legal profession, which he noted greatly hindered the expeditious and effective dispensation of justice. He noted that the worst hit were the criminal appeal cases, which demand careful reviews.
By last week, Gulu High Court had 66 criminal cases lined up for hearing, while the civil section, which is dominated by land cases, was at 674.
Justice Odoki highlighted that the implementation of the alternative justice system has registered tremendous success in mitigating court cases, noting that it engages all stakeholders through mediation.
While at Gulu High Court on Tuesday for a Court of Appeal hearing, Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kavumi tasked advocates to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolutions where appropriate, and undertake pro bono work at least four times within a year.
He noted that this would speed up case handling and improve access to justice amid growing delays.
Dr Julius Paul Layoo, a lecturer at Gulu University's faculty of law, said ADR saves time and resources since it focuses on matters that must proceed through formal litigation.
‘’It's just very simple that we need to speed up the disposal of these cases. It's faster than going through the court process. In terms of ADR, we are looking at mediation, arbitration, conciliation; all those are components of ADR.’ Dr Layoo stated.
Dr Layoo emphasised that the daily court practice should ensure that matters are disposed of in a friendly manner since litigation is unforeseeable.
Counsel Alice Akello Latigo, an advocate from Latigo and Company Advocates, said that with ADR, the litigants are free to discuss and settle their cases amicably with light involvement of the court since it is a win-win for both parties, which binds them together and makes peace.
