The Judiciary has launched a two-weeks initiative, Settlement Fortnight, to promote alternative dispute resolution and improve access to justice through mediation.
Speaking to the press in Kampala, Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija revealed that the exercise, supported by UNDP, targets 513 civil, family, land, and commercial cases, with a goal to resolve at least 300.
Dr. Zeija emphasized that mediation builds public trust and promotes reconciliation. He explained that the mediation seeks to fast-track the resolution of civil disputes without formal trials and ease the backlog of cases in the courts.
The Deputy Registrar in charge Mediation, Nanteza Zulaika said the exercise, which runs from June 16 to 27, 2025 in nine courts, including the Court of Appeal, Commercial and Family Divisions, and magistrates courts in Mengo, Makindye, Nabweru, Mukono, and Fort Portal.
Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire urged the public to understand restorative justice, especially in serious criminal cases.
He stressed that justice should rehabilitate rather than purely punish, citing Susan Kigula’s transformation in prison as an example.
The Judiciary is also advancing plea bargaining to widen access to justice across the country.
Report by: Betty Zziwa
