This is a great development for Uganda’s legal fraternity. Mr. Patson Wilbrod Arinaitwe, who besides teaching at the Law Development Centre, doubles as the Head of Subject in Alternative Dispute Resolution, has been elected a member of the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC. The appointment was revealed after the ICC World Council meeting held in Paris, France, on 11 June 2024.
Mr. Arinaitwe’s election will be another first in history, as Uganda, among others, becomes the twelfth nation to represent itself for the very first time at this high-level, global institution. The others in the list include Angola, Azerbaijan, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Moldova, Oman, Uruguay, and Zambia.
The ICC International Court of Arbitration is the oldest standing arbitral institution in the world. It was founded in the year 1923 and is very vital in ensuring that international commercial and investment disputes are resolved by the use of arbitration. Some of the functions of the Court include: the confirmation, appointment, and replacement of arbitrators; supervision of the arbitral process; scrutiny and approval of arbitral awards; and finally, the handling of fees and costs of the arbitration proceedings.
The appointment of Mr. Arinaitwe from 2024 to 2027 positions Uganda and Law Development Centre on the international scene with great visibility. He is going to share and garner experience globally, support the promotion of ADR in Uganda, and participate in the resolution of cross-border commercial and investment disputes.
This is not full-time work, and most of this can be done from home. The full ICC Court consists of 191 members from 119 jurisdictions, and the members are appointed following a proposal of ICC national committees and groups. The role will engage in very critical functions: confirmation and appointment of arbitrators, monitoring of the arbitration process for efficiency and quality, and handling emergency procedures before the arbitration begins.
Thus, Mr. Arinaitwe has aired his views that he will use the opportunity of this appointment to create a global platform in the enhancement of ADR practices within Uganda, to forge links or valuable networks across the world on international dispute resolution. His election is indicative of his skill and commitment to the field of alternative dispute resolution, fostering good working relationships within the institutions of Uganda.
