Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has urged newly appointed chief magistrates and grade one magistrates to prioritize alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in their judicial work.
During a two-week induction on March 4, 2025, held at Colin Hotel in Mukono, Owiny Dollo addressed 53 newly appointed judicial officers. This group included 12 Chief Magistrates, one Senior Magistrate Grade One, and 40 Magistrates Grade One. He emphasized that alternative dispute resolution and plea bargaining initiatives empower both parties to actively engage in shaping the outcomes of their cases.
“Judiciary faces a significant backlog of cases, with an estimated 150,000 unresolved cases. ADR offers a faster and more efficient way to resolve disputes compared to traditional litigation,”Dollo said.
According to Justice Dollo, last year’s alternative dispute resolution week alone led to the successful resolution of 237 cases. Adding that ADR methods, such as mediation and arbitration, are often less formal, less costly, and more accessible to the general public.
He also reminded the new magistrates of their crucial role in shaping the judiciary’s future.
The Court of Appeal Judge Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire. announced that the judiciary will train religious and traditional leaders in alternative dispute resolution as part of efforts to ensure fair hearings and reduce the backlog of cases in Ugandan courts.
He said that by equipping them with alternative dispute resolution skills, they will not only enhance their role in the community but also contribute to a more efficient justice system.
He noted that they will be educated on the fundamental principles of a fair hearing and be empowered to serve as the first point of contact when disputes arise. This will allow for timely resolution of conflicts within communities before escalating them to formal courts.
This initiative reflects Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo’s dedication to modernizing Uganda’s judiciary while ensuring timely and equitable access to justice for all citizens.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to a range of methods used to resolve disputes outside of traditional court proceedings. The goal is to settle conflicts more quickly, cost-effectively, and amicably. Common forms of ADR include:Mediation,Arbitration,Negotiation among many.
Introduced in 2013, court-annexed mediation is mandatory for certain civil cases before proceeding to trial. It is guided by the Judicature (Mediation) Rules, 2013 under Statutory Instrument No. 10 of 2013. Judges or court-appointed mediators facilitate discussions between parties to reach a mutually acceptable settlement.
The judiciary also works with institutions like the Centre for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (CADER) to accredit professional mediators and arbitrators.
Local council courts and customary systems in rural areas use mediation to resolve land and domestic disputes informally. Recognized under the Local Council Courts Act to enhance access to justice at the grassroots level.
