By KT Reporter
Deputy Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija has inspired mediators accredited to the court to commit to fostering peace, justice, and reconciliation to strengthen access to justice.
Justice Zeija said mediation eases the burden on the judiciary, reduces case backlog, and promotes reconciliation among disputing parties. Judiciary’s 2023 Annual Performance Report revealed a caseload of more than 200,000 pending cases.
“Mediation is not only a process of resolving disputes; it is a philosophy of peace and understanding. It invites us to listen more, judge less, and seek solutions that heal rather than divide,” said Justice Zeija in a speech read on his behalf by Judicial Training Institute Executive Director Justice Andrew Khaukha.
The speech was delivered at the opening of a mediation training for court mediators from Eastern Uganda. The training held at the Judiciary headquarters is organised by the Judicial Training Institute.
Mediation is part of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms being promoted by the Judiciary to tackle the case backlog crisis in the court system.
The training is part of the Judiciary’s efforts to institutionalise Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms under the Judicature (Mediation) Rules of 2013.
The participants include: Lady Justice Joanita Gertrude Bushara, the Resident Judge, Jinja High Court; Lady Justice Dr Winfred Nabisinde, the Resident Judge at the Lugazi High Court Circuit; and Justice David Batema, the resident Judge at the Iganga High Court Circuit.
Judicial Officers of the Lower Bench, Labour Officers from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and students from the Law Development Centre (LDC) are also participating.
Dr Zeija said mediation has shown a measurable impact in promoting timely and affordable justice. He revealed that 6,803 cases were resolved through mediation in the last judicial year alone.
“Some of you here facilitated that process, and I thank you,” he added, acknowledging the mediators’ efforts in promoting a less adversarial justice system. Justice Zeija said the mediators need to be competent, ethical, and impartial.
“As court-accredited mediators, you are an extension of the Judiciary’s mission to deliver justice for all justice that is timely, affordable, and people-centred,” he said.
He commended the Judicial Training Institute and its facilitators for spearheading capacity-building initiatives that support the Judiciary’s vision of a responsive and people-focused justice system. He encouraged participants to share their experiences and reflect on how mediation can further improve justice delivery in Uganda.
The five-day training is expected to equip mediators with enhanced skills in managing disputes, understanding parties’ interests, and fostering resolutions that build lasting peace in communities.
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