President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has welcomed ongoing efforts to ease the workload in Namibia’s courts, describing them as key to improving access to justice.

She made the remarks during a courtesy visit from Namibia’s Chief Justice, Peter Shivute, and Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, at State House this week.

The two top judges, along with their delegations, are part of a judicial exchange aimed at sharing best practices between the Namibian and Ugandan systems. One of the key reforms under discussion is the possible introduction of plea bargaining and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods.

“These reforms are about serving the people,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said. “Alternative dispute resolution is part of our African customs, and it should be embraced as a way to deliver justice faster and more efficiently.”

Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo led Uganda’s delegation at a conference hosted by the Namibian Judiciary earlier this week. The event brought together stakeholders from all three branches of the state to explore ways to streamline court processes.

Both countries have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen judicial cooperation, particularly in areas like plea bargaining and ADR.

According to a joint statement, the goal is to promote efficiency and ensure better access to justice for citizens in both Namibia and Uganda.