Former Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), Justice Bart Katureebe, has called on UMI graduates to embrace alternative justice systems to foster peace and harmony in society.

In his address during the 22nd graduation ceremony at UMI’s Gulu campus, Justice Katureebe highlighted the importance of alternative justice mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation, and other non-adversarial dispute resolution methods.

He emphasized that these systems are crucial for promoting justice beyond the traditional courtroom.

While acknowledging the vital role of the formal justice system, Justice Katureebe pointed out its challenges, including being overburdened, slow, and often inaccessible to marginalized groups.

He encouraged graduates to conduct research into alternative justice systems and become advocates for systemic conflict resolution.

Justice Katureebe further stressed the need to integrate traditional African conflict resolution methods with modern legal frameworks.

He suggested that this combination could help promote restorative justice and foster social cohesion rather than punitive measures.

In addition, he urged policymakers, business leaders, academics, and community members to collaborate in creating a society where conflicts are resolved peacefully, and justice is accessible to all.

Dr. James Nkata, the Director General of UMI, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of networking among graduates.

He stressed that success could only be achieved through collaboration, not isolation

A total of 241 students graduated, with 192 receiving postgraduate diplomas and 49 earning master’s degrees.

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