Judiciary embraces mediation to address case backlog and enhance justice delivery

In a continued effort to tackle Uganda’s longstanding judicial backlog and high caseload, the Judiciary has underscored the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, particularly mediation.
According to Chief Registrar Sarah Langa Siu, mediation is vital to expedite case resolution and make justice accessible, despite the judiciary facing a significant strain with over 163,000 pending cases and a backlog of more than 40,000 as of September 2024. This overwhelming caseload is managed by just 655 judicial officers, highlighting the urgency of ADR adoption.
“Without ADR mechanisms such as mediation, it is impossible for the Judiciary to significantly and expeditiously dispose of these pending cases and reduce backlog using the usual adversarial methods of litigation,” stated Langa, emphasizing the transformative role of mediation.
Despite its proven benefits, mediation in Uganda has faced several challenges, including a lack of standardization, inadequate training for mediators, credibility concerns, and remuneration issues. The Judiciary is addressing these challenges through a comprehensive training program designed to enhance mediator skills and ensure consistent practice across courts.
“This training comes in to harmonise and promote consistency on how to conduct mediation. The programme is rich with topics and facilitators carefully selected to sharpen you as mediators,” Langa remarked, urging participants to actively engage.
To boost mediator credibility, the Judiciary has started accrediting respected figures, such as retired judicial officers and senior lawyers, to take on mediation roles, ensuring that litigants can trust their mediators.
“Our confidence is that persons of your calibre are respected in this society, and once you are accredited, the litigants will trust you with their matters,” Langa affirmed.
The issue of mediator remuneration, previously a point of contention, has been addressed through Office Instruction No. 1/2024 issued by Chief Justice, ensuring standardized and reliable payment structures for mediators.