Uganda Parliament approves sh4.0b for digitalizing court halls, highlighting the need for the Industrial Court’s adaptation to online proceedings amidst COVID-19 challenges.
In the recently approved National Budget Framework Paper for the fiscal years 2024/25 to 2028/29, Parliament has earmarked sh4.0b for the digitalization of court halls, as outlined in the budget committee report.
Patrick Isiagi Opolot, the chairperson of the committee and MP for Kachumbala County, conveyed that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo implemented various measures to curb the spread of the disease.
These measures included directives for online hearings to be prioritized over face-to-face litigation whenever feasible. Despite efforts by the Judiciary to adapt through court recordings, video conferencing, and e-filings, the Industrial Court, presided over by Lady Justice Linda Lillian Tumusiime, has yet to fully embrace these digital interventions.
Established under the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act of 2006 Cap 224, the Industrial Court’s jurisdiction encompasses labor disputes referred to it by concerned parties.
These disputes may arise when a labor officer fails to resolve the issue within eight weeks, disputes referred by a labor officer at the request of a party, or when the officer is unable to mediate the dispute. Additionally, disputes can be referred by the responsible minister upon notice of an impending labor withdrawal within five days.
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