Industrial Court
The Industrial Court was established
under the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act, 2006 Cap 224, Laws
of Uganda, and section 7. 2006.The Act was as sentenced to on 24th May
2006; and commenced on the 07th August 2006 vide a Ministerial statutory
instrument.
COMPOSITION AND SITTING OF THE COURT.
The court consists of the Chief. Judge
Hon. Justice Ruhinda Asaph Ntengye and the Judge, Hon. Lady Justice Linda
Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha appointed by the President of the Republic of Uganda
on the recommendation of the Judicial service Commission, and the appointees'
qualifications are similar to those of judges of a high court; with tenure of
Five years, though the Act is silent on whether their tenure is renewable.
The Judges are assisted by the three
(3) other ministerial appointees - one as an independent member from a panel of
05 eminent Ugandans or representatives of employees or employers (who should
hold the office for 03 years):- another being a representative of the employers
selected from a panel of 05 persons nominated by the Federation of Employers;-
and the Third as a representative of the Employees from a panel of 05 persons
nominated by the Federation of labour union. The tenure of the last two (2)
categories of court members is not prescribed.
The Court sits in open on a day to
day basis including the public holidays (Where necessary), and should declare
its findings not later than twenty one (21) days from date of commencement of
the hearing of the claim. The hearings are fixed by the Registrar of the court
Her. Worship Sylvia Nabaggala. The Registrar and the support staff
are appointed by the Public Service Commission. The Industrial court is a court
of equity and not bound by the ordinary rules of evidence.
The Court's Jurisdiction is referral.
The Court's jurisdiction ambit are
labour disputes referred to it by a party to a dispute where a labour officer
has failed to dispose of the dispute within 08 weeks under the court's
regulations as requested under the act, disputes referred by the Labour officer
at the request of the party or on the officer's own volition when is unable to
resolve the dispute; or by responsible Minister on notice of an intended
withdrawal of labour within 05 days. Appeals can also be filed against labour
officers' decision under the Employment Act. The Court has no original
jurisdiction over Labour disputes.
The Court's Functions are
- To arbitrate labour disputes referred to it under the Act.
- Adjudicating questions of Law arising from references to it by any other law.
- Dispose of the labour disputes without undue delay.
Court's Mission and Vision:
The Court draws its inspirations from
the ILO mission: "bringing decent work and livelihoods, job
related security and better living standards to the people of both poor and
rich countries," and the Judiciary Vision "Justice for All".
The Courts Mission is: "To
effectively and efficiently deliver and adjudicate labour justice for all in
line with international Labour Organisation standards and National development
Plan".
The Court's Vision is: "Labour
Justice for All".