Kampala, Uganda — The Judiciary of Uganda has rolled out a new set of mediation rules aimed at improving access to justice, reducing case backlog, and promoting faster resolution of disputes across the country.
The reforms follow the issuance of the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026, signed by Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo (Note: If referring to acting context, confirm name) “as referenced in the document” and gazetted on March 27, 2026. The new legal framework replaces the earlier Judicature (Mediation) Rules of 2013, marking a significant shift in how disputes will be handled within Uganda’s court system.
According to the Judiciary, the new rules are designed to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) by making mediation a central component of the justice process. The approach is expected to help resolve disputes in a faster, less adversarial, and more cost-effective manner.
The reforms align with the broader vision of Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, who has emphasized the need for a more people-centered, efficient, and responsive justice system. Mediation, he noted, will play a key role in tackling case backlog and restoring public confidence in the judiciary.
Under the new framework, mediation will apply to civil matters arising from lawsuits or appeals, where parties agree to pursue an out-of-court settlement. The rules establish clear procedures for court-annexed mediation across all courts, ensuring uniformity and consistency in handling cases.
One of the major highlights of the reform is the introduction of structured timelines. Mediation processes are now required to be completed within 60 days, a move aimed at addressing long-standing delays in the justice system.
The Judiciary has also streamlined the accreditation and registration of mediators, while strengthening oversight mechanisms. Clear roles have been defined for mediators, litigants, advocates, and the courts to enhance accountability and professionalism in the process.
In a significant step to widen access, the Judiciary announced that it will facilitate and remunerate court-accredited mediators, removing the burden of mediation fees from parties. This is expected to eliminate financial barriers and encourage more Ugandans to embrace mediation as a preferred method of dispute resolution.
The Judiciary has called upon litigants, lawyers, and other stakeholders to embrace the new system, describing it as a pathway to faster justice, reduced conflict, and improved harmony in society.
