Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo has reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening mediation as a central pillar of Uganda’s justice system, calling it a culturally rooted and people-centered tool essential for reducing case backlogs and fostering social cohesion.
She made the remarks during a meeting with court-accredited mediators at the Jinja High Court, where she emphasized the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to institutionalize mediation as a standard avenue for resolving disputes.
Addressing the mediators, Justice Abodo praised the Eastern region for its ‘great progress in Alternative Dispute Resolution,’ noting that mediation not only decongests courts but also promotes harmony and confidence within families, communities, and the business sector.
“Mediation not only reduces the workload of the courts, but it also brings people together, helps families and communities, and improves business confidence because it promotes out-of-court settlements,” she said.
Justice Abodo also noted updates from Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, announcing that Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo issued an administrative directive introducing a standardized payment structure for court-accredited mediators.
The directive aims to harmonize remuneration, boost motivation, and ensure uniformity in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practices nationwide.
During the meeting, the Principle Judge presented instruments of appointment to newly accredited mediators, officially inducting them into the Judiciary’s ADR system.
She reminded them of the institution’s expectations which include; professionalism, timeliness, innovation, and accountability, as they support the courts in expanding mediation services.
Prof. Khaukha emphasized the importance of continuous training, monitoring, and regular evaluation to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of mediation services nationwide.
Resident Judge Lady Justice Joanita Bushara announced that funds have been secured for the upcoming Settlement Week at the Jinja High Court, adding that mediation files have already been allocated to accredited mediators, a sign that the station is fully prepared for the exercise.
She noted a growing acceptance of ADR among court users and expressed confidence in the mediators’ ability to deliver successful outcomes.
The engagement shows the Judiciary’s renewed determination to make mediation a core pillar of justice delivery in Uganda. As reforms progress, the expansion of ADR is expected to ease pressure on an overstretched court system, accelerate dispute resolution, and ultimately bring justice closer to the communities it serves.
