Windhoek: The Office of the Judiciary of Namibia and the Judicial Service Commission of Uganda have strengthened their bilateral cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Windhoek on Tuesday. The MoU was signed by Chief Justice Peter Shivute and his Ugandan counterpart, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, to enhance judicial ties between the two institutions.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the signing of the MoU formalizes an already strong relationship between the judiciaries of the two African countries. Chief Justice Shivute emphasized that the agreement is guided by a shared commitment to collaboration and mutual development. The MoU outlines key areas of cooperation including the exchange of information and insights on ICT-related matters, alongside a commitment to strengthening institutional capacity through collaboration.
Shivute also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences, best practices, and tools related to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as plea bargaining in criminal matters. He remarked that beyond being a legal instrument, the MoU embodies a common vision where judiciaries learn, innovate together, and strive to improve the quality of justice for the people they serve.
Justice Owiny-Dollo, on an official visit to Namibia accompanied by senior Ugandan judicial officials, stressed the need for deeper cooperation among judiciary institutions across Africa. He pointed out that while Pan-Africanism is often discussed in political and economic contexts, it is rarely associated with the judicial sector and justice administration. Owiny-Dollo mentioned various forums like the Southern and East African Chief Justices Forum and the African Chief Justices Forum on Alternative Dispute Resolutions that contribute to unifying Africa’s judiciary.
He emphasized the essence of Pan-Africanism in justice administration, aiming to serve the people better and ensuring the rule of law and human rights are upheld not only in Namibia or Uganda but across Africa. Meanwhile, Justice Owiny-Dollo is set to deliver the keynote address at the Office of the Judiciary of Namibia’s inaugural National Conference on Alternative Dispute Resolution in Windhoek on Wednesday. The conference will focus on the theme “Enhancing Access to Justice Through Plea Bargaining: Lessons, Prospects and Practical Solutions.”