The exercise is being conducted in nine courts across the country with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative, which began today, seeks to fast-track the resolution of civil disputes without resorting to formal trials.
The Judiciary has launched a two-week initiative aimed at promoting alternative dispute resolution and improving access to justice through mediation. Addressing the media in Kampala on Monday, Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija—accompanied by Constitutional Court Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire and the Registrar in Charge of Alternative Dispute Resolution, HW Zulaika Nanteza—announced the commencement of Settlement Fortnight.
The exercise is being conducted in nine courts across the country with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative, which began today, seeks to fast-track the resolution of civil disputes without resorting to formal trials.
“The Settlement Fortnight is a dedicated two-week exercise aimed at fast-tracking mediation as a tool for resolving civil disputes outside formal trial,” Dr. Zeija said. According to Dr. Zeija, a total of 513 civil, family, land, and commercial cases already filed in court have been identified by judicial officers as suitable for mediation.
The Judiciary hopes to conclude at least 300 of these during the fortnight.The participating courts include the Court of Appeal, Commercial Division, Family Division, Mukono High Court, Fort Portal High Court, and the Chief Magistrates Courts of Mengo, Makindye, Nabweru, and Fort Portal.
Dr. Zeija, who also heads the Constitutional Court/Court of Appeal, said the mediation sessions are being handled by sitting judicial officers, retired judges and justices, and court-accredited mediators—including his predecessor, former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera.
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Dr. Zeija emphasized that the initiative is part of the Judiciary’s broader strategy to reduce case backlog, resolve disputes amicably and efficiently, and rebuild public confidence in the justice system.
“Even if your case wasn’t selected during this fortnight, you are encouraged to request a referral for mediation through your court—mediation services are now part of everyday case management,” he added.
Beyond mediation in civil matters, the Judiciary is also promoting access to justice in criminal cases through plea bargaining camps. One such camp was recently held at Nakasongola Prison, with two more scheduled at Gulu Prison on June 23 and Lira Main Prison on June 25.
Dr. Zeija thanked the UNDP and other stakeholders for their continued support, stressing that mediation is not only about resolving cases but also about healing relationships and making justice more accessible to the public.
He noted that initiatives like Settlement Fortnight can restore relationships, promote reconciliation, and bring justice closer to the people.
On his part, Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire called for a deeper public understanding of plea bargaining and restorative justice, urging people to separate emotion from the true purpose of justice.
He addressed widespread public misconceptions about justice in criminal cases, particularly those involving serious offences such as murder.
The judge noted that many people wrongly believe that suspects should endure the same suffering as their victims and that justice is only served when punishment mirrors the crime.
Justice Kiryabwire emphasized that such a mindset is emotionally driven and does not align with the core principles of justice. He acknowledged the pain felt by victims and their families but argued that it should not override the need for a fair, balanced, and rehabilitative justice system.
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Encouraging the use of restorative justice, he said that people who admit guilt and accept responsibility should not be treated the same as those who deny wrongdoing.
He explained that restorative justice addresses the harm caused by crime while offering opportunities for rehabilitation.
Justice Kiryabwire also noted that serving, for instance, 20 years in a Ugandan prison is very different from imprisonment abroad, pointing out that Ugandan prisons offer inmates an opportunity to reflect on their actions.
He cited the example of Susan Kigula, a former death row inmate convicted of murder, who used her time in prison to pursue education and eventually graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Law.
As such, the judge called for justice to be dispensed in a way that acknowledges the impact of the crime while still allowing for reform and rehabilitation. Settlement Fortnight runs from today, June 16, until June 27, 2025.
