The Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny – Dollo, has flagged off the Climate Justice training of judicial officers at the Judicial Training institute.
The training is peddled at promote public participation in the sustainable use, management and protection of the environment and the enforcement of the right to a clean and healthy environment
The training which is being held in partnership with Greenwatch, an environmental rights advocacy Non- Governmental organization, attracted a cross-section of Judicial Officers.
At his maiden public event since being sworn-in on Tuesday, the Chief Justice commended the Institute and Greenwatch for ensuring that the training takes place despite the prevailing effects of the #Covid-19 pandemic.
“There is increased decline in ecological diversity worldwide due to several unregulated human activities and encouraged the engagement of stakeholders in the protection of the environment.” He said
The CJ equally emphasized the importance of judicial training in regard to the changing trends all over the world.
He added, “Courts have a responsibility towards the realization of the sustainable development goals under SDG No.16 and thus the need for training and skilling officers.”
On her part, the Executive Director of JTI, Justice Damalie N. Lwanga, said Climate Justice was a new concept in Uganda as regards the field of litigation, a fact that makes it relevant to engage and build the capacity of all stakeholders who contribute to access to Justice and environmental Law enforcement.
“I hope that this training will promote awareness of international Law policies and climate change initiatives among the Judicial Officers. It will also enable courts to positively adjudicate climate justice matters and provide tools for continuing learning and reference even after this workshop,” she said.
The Director/Legal counsel of Greenwatch, Ms. Samantha Atukunda K. Mwesigwa said the major objective of the training was to ensure that Environmental Law principles are incorporated in government policies and legislation and also ensure that Judicial Officers and other stakeholders are trained on how to apply Environment Law.
A presentation was made on Climate change, its impacts and possible responses, the role of the intergovernmental panel on climate change and Uganda’s commitment under the Paris agreement.
Other topics handled include; the evolution of climate legislation, climate litigation and opportunities and limitations for climate Justice among others.
