Uganda will host a continental conference on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that will bring together mediators, arbitrators, judicial officers, policymakers and private sector leaders to discuss ways of resolving disputes outside the courts.
The Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister, Norbert Mao, said the conference, called Gumzo La Edyara, will encourage the wider use of mediation, arbitration and other ADR methods in solving disputes that affect communities and businesses.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Mao said ADR can help ease the growing backlog of court cases. He said it also offers faster and less confrontational ways of settling disputes.
Mao added that strong dispute resolution systems are necessary as Africa expands economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area. He said businesses operating across borders need reliable and fair ways to resolve conflicts.
Jeffrey Atwine, the acting commissioner for ADR at the ministry of Justice, said the five-day event will feature dialogue sessions, training workshops and sector discussions. He said participants will examine the practical use of mediation, arbitration and adjudication in different sectors.