By Stuart Bogere 

KIU, Main Campus - The Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera, has encouraged Judicial Officers to exploit all avenues available to widen their knowledge about climate justice for efficiency and effective handling of related cases. 

He made these remarks last week while delivering a keynote speech at the Third Annual Training on Climate Justice in Uganda held at Mestil Hotel.  

The two-day event was organized by the Judicial Training Institute in partnership with Greenwatch under the theme: "Understanding Climate Change and Exploring the Role of the Judiciary in Implementing Climate Justice." 

The Deputy Chief Justice emphasized the need for continuous judicial instruction.  

“Continuous judicial training and education is an important tool in ensuring good governance and strengthening the rule of law,'' he said.

Buteera added that the training will aid the officers to a better understanding and knowledge of the concepts of climate change and climate justice, enforcement of climate laws, policies, rules, and that regulations will be made easier for the courts.

A presentation was made on the evolution of climate legislation dubbed "Climate Litigation as a Tool to Promote Climate Justice: Distinguishing Climate Litigation in the Global North and the Global South"

Judicial officials were also trained on the relevance of climate litigation in holding governments accountable for the effects of climate change. A training on a Kenyan perspective to strengthening collaborative efforts of the key stakeholders in advancing Climate Justice in Uganda and impacts of extreme weather conditions on communities and resultant legal consequences was given.

The key facilitators were Court of Appeal’s Justice Kenneth Kakuru, Dr. Patrick Byakagaba, Dr. Peter Mutesasira, Ms. Emily Kinama and Mr. Gawaya Tegule. The others were Mr. Bob Natifu, Ms. Sarah Naigaga, Mr. Moses Muhumuza and Ms. Susan Nadundu.