News and Events

IUIU and MAMC Host the People and Justice Summit 2025

• 03rd November, 2025 12:48pm

The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), in collaboration with the Muslim Arbitration and Mediation Centre (MAMC), successfully hosted the People and Justice Summit 2025 on 29th October 2025 at the IUIU Kampala Campus.

The summit brought together legal scholars, practitioners, and community leaders to discuss the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Islamic legal principles in strengthening access to justice and promoting social harmony.

Honourable Justice Musa Sekana, who graced the event as Guest of Honour, underscored the critical role of ADR in the effective dispensation of justice. He encouraged the public to embrace ADR mechanisms to promote peaceful conflict resolution and foster community cohesion.

Dr. Umar Oseni, Secretary General of the OIC Arbitration Centre (OIC-AC), highlighted the need to institutionalise ADR within society to achieve sustainable justice and enhance trust in legal systems.

The Director of IUIU Kampala Campus, Dr. Twaha Ahmed Kasule, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting initiatives that advance justice, peace, and community development.

Dr. Hafiz Walusimbi emphasised the importance of Qadhi Courts in resolving disputes within the Muslim community. He called for an enabling legal framework to operationalise these courts, noting that they could ease case backlogs and promote reconciliation. He also commended the Judiciary of Uganda for recognising decisions made by the Directorate on succession matters involving Muslims who opt for property distribution under Islamic law.

Dr. Sowedi Mayanja, Lecturer at IUIU, discussed the relevance of ADR in succession matters and stressed the need for continuous training and capacity-building among practitioners and community members.

Madam Zubeda Namugenyi, Chief Executive Officer of MAMC, pointed out gaps within Article 28 of the Constitution of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, observing that its current interpretation could undermine party autonomy — a fundamental principle of arbitration.

Honourable Asuman Basalirwa, Member of Parliament, emphasised the need for enabling legislation to operationalise Qadhi Courts and enhance the administration of justice within Muslim communities.

Mr. Mukasa Sirajeh Katantazi, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association, called for alignment between the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Constitution and national laws to prevent legal conflicts and ensure coherence in governance.

Ms. Nagadya Hamidah, Lecturer at the IUIU Faculty of Law, emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement in the law-making process. She advocated for reviewing and sharing proposed laws before enactment to avoid inconsistencies with the principles of justice. She also called for unity among Muslims in promoting peaceful dispute resolution and fair administration of justice.

The summit concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen collaboration, promote ADR mechanisms, and advance justice grounded in Islamic values and constitutional principles for the betterment of the community.