Judiciary Strengthens ADR with New Mediation Rules

Kampala– The Judiciary of Uganda has rolled out new rules aimed at strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), in a move expected to improve access to justice and reduce case backlog.

The Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026, issued by Dr. Flavian Zeija, were officially gazetted on March 27, 2026, under Statutory Instrument No. 14. The new framework replaces the 2013 mediation rules.

According to the Judiciary, the revised rules are designed to promote amicable settlement of disputes, enhance efficiency in the administration of justice, and provide a more people-centered approach to conflict resolution.

The development aligns with the Chief Justice’s broader vision of building a responsive and efficient justice system. He has consistently emphasized the importance of mediation in reducing case backlog, speeding up dispute resolution, and strengthening public trust in the courts.

Under the new framework, court-annexed mediation will apply across all courts and focus on civil matters arising from lawsuits or appeals where parties consent to mediation. The process is expected to offer a faster, less adversarial, and more cost-effective alternative to litigation.

The rules also streamline the accreditation and registration of mediators, while strengthening oversight mechanisms. Clear roles have been defined for mediators, litigants, lawyers, and the courts.

To address delays, the Judiciary has introduced strict timelines, requiring mediation processes to be concluded within 60 days.

In a significant shift, the Judiciary will facilitate and pay court-accredited mediators, meaning parties will not incur mediation fees. This is expected to remove financial barriers and encourage wider adoption of mediation.

The Judiciary has called on litigants, advocates, and other stakeholders to embrace mediation as a key pathway to resolving disputes, promoting harmony, and ensuring timely justice delivery.