Lira, Uganda | The Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, has urged lawyers to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms as a faster and more economically responsive approach to justice delivery, warning that prolonged litigation continues to slow economic activity and weaken confidence in the financial sector.
Justice Zeija made the remarks while officially opening an ADR training programme for lawyers from the Central Region at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala.
The training, organised by the Judicial Training Institute, seeks to support implementation of the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy, 2025, the Judiciary Alternative Justice Systems Strategy, 2023, and the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026.
Addressing participants, the Chief Justice described advocates as “gatekeepers of justice” and said embracing ADR would strengthen access to justice by giving citizens wider choices in resolving disputes while ensuring quicker outcomes for businesses and individuals.
He observed that Uganda’s expanding economy and rising number of financial disputes continue to place pressure on courts, adding that delays in dispute resolution have become a major economic concern.
Justice Zeija noted that banking and credit-related cases often freeze capital in court processes, increase the cost of borrowing, and reduce confidence in the financial system. He urged advocates to move from being “gatekeepers of litigation” to becoming “engineers of economic liquidity” by guiding clients towards mediation and other alternative settlement mechanisms.
According to the Chief Justice, ADR should become the preferred first option in handling financial disputes because lengthy litigation negatively affects borrowers, businesses, and the wider economy.
He assured lawyers that mediation would not diminish their professional importance, explaining that clients who recover through negotiated settlements are more likely to retain confidence in legal services than those whose businesses collapse during prolonged court battles.
Justice Zeija also highlighted key reforms introduced under the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026, including 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.
He reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to integrating Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) alongside formal court processes, noting that cultural and religious leaders remain critical in promoting reconciliation and restorative justice within communities.
The Chief Justice 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.
He explained that involving cultural and religious leaders in the ADR framework is aimed at professionalising indigenous dispute resolution systems and making justice more meaningful and accessible to ordinary Ugandans.
Justice Zeija further announced that the Judiciary will conduct a Mediation Settlement Fortnight from May 18 to May 28, 2026, to accelerate disposal of disputes and unlock billions of shillings tied up in litigation.
He urged advocates to use the training to prepare clients to actively participate in the initiative.
The Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Judicial Training Institute and Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mike Chibita, welcomed participants and described the rollout of the new mediation rules as a major milestone in strengthening ADR mechanisms within Uganda’s justice system.