Kampala– The Chief Justice, Flavian Zeija, on Wednesday officially opened an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training programme for lawyers from the Central Region at the Supreme Court of Uganda Conference Hall in Kampala.
The training, organized by the Judicial Training Institute, is aimed at promoting the implementation of the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy, 2025, the Judiciary Alternative Justice Systems Strategy, 2023, and the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026.
In his remarks, Justice Zeija described advocates as “gatekeepers of justice” and emphasized that embracing ADR strengthens justice by giving citizens choice, businesses certainty, and enabling the timely resolution of disputes. He noted that Uganda’s expanding economy and increasing financial disputes have made delayed litigation a major burden that strains economic liquidity and raises the cost of borrowing.
The Chief Justice explained that delays in resolving banking and credit-related matters are not merely legal challenges, but economic setbacks that freeze capital in courts and weaken confidence in the financial sector. He urged advocates to shift from being “gatekeepers of litigation” to becoming “engineers of economic liquidity” by guiding clients towards faster and more sustainable dispute resolution mechanisms.
Justice Zeija further stressed that ADR should become the preferred first step in resolving financial disputes, warning that prolonged litigation negatively affects borrowers, businesses, and public confidence in the financial system. He reassured lawyers that ADR would not diminish their professional relevance, adding that clients who recover through mediation are more likely to retain confidence in legal services than those whose businesses collapse during lengthy court battles.
He also highlighted key reforms introduced under the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026, including the mandatory conclusion of mediation within 60 days, accreditation of mediators under a strict Code of Conduct, enforceable settlement agreements recorded as consent judgments, and free access to court-annexed mediation services funded by the Judiciary.
The Chief Justice reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to integrating Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) alongside formal legal mechanisms, noting that cultural and religious leaders have a critical role in promoting reconciliation and restorative justice within communities. He said the Judiciary aims to move away from overly adversarial approaches by embracing systems that preserve relationships, social harmony, and dignity while ensuring justice is served.
Justice Zeija further revealed that the Judiciary has already launched AJS pilot engagements in Gulu and Lira under the leadership of the Principal Judge, adding that Buganda and Karamoja will be the next pilot regions. According to the Chief Justice, integrating cultural and religious leaders into the ADR framework is intended to professionalize indigenous methods of dispute resolution and make justice more accessible and meaningful to ordinary Ugandans.
Justice Zeija also announced that the Judiciary will conduct a Mediation Settlement Fortnight from May 18 to May 28, 2026, aimed at accelerating the resolution of disputes and unlocking billions of shillings tied up in litigation. He encouraged advocates to use the ongoing training to prepare clients to actively participate in the initiative.
He concluded by urging lawyers to evolve from being “warriors in court” into “architects of resolution,” emphasizing that justice must not only be fair, but also swift and economically responsive.
The Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Judicial Training Institute and Justice of the Supreme Court, Mike Chibita, welcomed participants to the training and described the rollout of the new mediation rules as a critical step in strengthening ADR mechanisms within Uganda’s justice system.
