Chief Justice Peter Shivute on Tuesday endorsed the expanded use of plea bargaining and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in the country’s legal system, stating that they are necessary to reduce court backlogs and improve access to justice.

Speaking during the official visit of Uganda’s Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo to the Supreme Court, Shivute said Namibia is actively pursuing reforms that incorporate ADR approaches traditionally used in civil and commercial disputes into criminal justice processes.

“ADR mechanisms provide flexibility, reduce costs, and offer efficient pathways for dispute resolution,” Shivute said, adding that “plea bargaining, in particular, offers an alternative route to resolving criminal cases without the need for a full trial.”

Justice Shivute said that, if implemented with appropriate safeguards, plea bargaining can enhance efficiency in the courts while protecting the rights of all parties involved.

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo's visit coincides with the Judiciary's inaugural National Conference on Alternative Dispute Resolution, scheduled for Wednesday. 

The conference will include a keynote address by Owiny-Dollo, who is expected to present Uganda’s experience with implementing plea bargaining.

According to Shivute, Uganda’s model has become a point of reference for other African jurisdictions.