Labour officers equipped with skills in mediation, negotiation, and hearing procedures
The second day of the capacity-building programme, organised by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) in partnership with the Industrial Court and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, with support from IDLO, focused on practical skills needed by labour officers to manage disputes fairly, confidently and efficiently.
Labour officers from the Eastern Region have been trained in mediation, negotiation, hearing procedures, and evidence handling as part of efforts to strengthen workplace dispute resolution
The second day of the capacity-building programme, organised by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) in partnership with the Industrial Court and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, with support from IDLO, focused on practical skills needed by labour officers to manage disputes fairly, confidently and efficiently.
The training was moderated by HW Atingu Beatrice Stella, Registrar, Special Duties, High Court, assisted by HW Esther Murungi, Magistrate at JTI Participants reviewed key lessons from the first day, including the Employment Act as amended in 2026, use of the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII), responsible use of artificial intelligence, ethics and the statutory role of labour officers.
Justice Anthony Wabwire of the Industrial Court reminded participants of their role as frontline actors in promoting labour justice and the importance of applying current laws and credible legal sources when handling disputes.
During a session on mediation, JTI Executive Director Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha guided participants on mediation as a structured dispute resolution process requiring preparation, impartiality, effective communication, and understanding of parties’ interests.
Participants were also trained in negotiation skills by Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus Justice Richard Buteera, who emphasised the importance of preparation, identifying underlying interests, creating confidence in the process, and helping parties reach practical settlements.
The programme later focused on hearing procedures and the taking of evidence from the perspective of the Bench, facilitated by Hon. Justice Asaph Ruhinda Ntengye to enhance labour officers’ capacity in handling adjudicatory responsibilities.
The training aims to improve the ability of labour officers to resolve workplace disputes and promote access to fair and effective labour justice.
