Alternative Dispute Resolution solves 89 disputes without a judge
Kainobwisho said strengthening these skills is becoming increasingly important because URSB officers regularly make decisions with significant legal and commercial consequences.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy K. Kainobwisho said strengthening these skills is becoming increasingly important because URSB officers regularly make decisions with significant legal and commercial consequences. (File photo)
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The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is strengthening its ability to resolve business and legal disputes without lengthy court battles, a move officials say could improve service delivery, boost investor confidence and make it easier for businesses to settle disagreements.
According to an official press release issued at the Uganda Media Centre, URSB recently conducted a specialised Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training for senior managers and legal staff as part of efforts to strengthen its quasi-judicial role. The training took place at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre Auditorium and brought together legal experts to equip officers with practical skills in handling disputes arising from the Bureau’s expanding responsibilities.
While many Ugandans know URSB primarily as the institution responsible for registering businesses, companies and intellectual property rights, its role has evolved significantly in recent years.
That is where Alternative Dispute Resolution comes in. ADR refers to methods of resolving disputes outside traditional court processes. Instead of relying solely on litigation, parties can use approaches such as negotiation, mediation, conciliation and arbitration to reach solutions more quickly and often at lower cost.
For businesses, that can mean avoiding years of court proceedings and reducing legal expenses. For government institutions, it can ease pressure on the judicial system while improving access to justice.
Speaking at the training, Registrar General Mercy K. Kainobwisho said strengthening these skills is becoming increasingly important because URSB officers regularly make decisions with significant legal and commercial consequences.
“ADR gives us better tools to ensure decisions are fair, efficient, and legally sound,” she said.
The training featured technical sessions led by Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court Judge Geoffrey Kiryabwire, legal scholar Dr Henry Onoria of ALP East Africa and Barbara Kilei of the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO) Uganda. Participants received practical guidance on applying ADR techniques within Uganda’s legal framework.
The bureau’s efforts have also drawn attention beyond Uganda. In a related development, URSB’s ADR programme received recognition during a joint visit by Uganda’s Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, and Zambia’s Chief Justice, Dr Mumba Malila. The engagement was held under the Africa Chief Justices’ ADR Forum, which promotes alternative justice systems as a way of improving access to justice and strengthening legal cooperation across the continent.
During the visit to URSB headquarters in Kololo, Justice Malila praised ADR for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness and contribution to social harmony. URSB leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Bureau’s dispute-resolution functions and expanding regional collaboration.
The results are already becoming visible. According to Kainobwisho, URSB successfully resolved 89 disputes during the current financial year through its ADR mechanisms, a figure the Bureau says demonstrates the growing effectiveness of the approach.
For businesses, entrepreneurs and investors, the significance of the initiative lies in what happens when disputes arise. Whether the issue involves company ownership, intellectual property rights or insolvency proceedings, faster and more predictable dispute resolution can reduce uncertainty and help businesses continue operating.