Uganda Judiciary Shines in Nairobi as Multi-Door Justice Takes Centre Stage at EAMJA Conference
The ongoing EastAfrican Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA) Conference in Nairobi showcased Uganda's growing stature as a regional and global leader in innovative, people-centred justice reforms. Delegates examined how embracing mediation, Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), technology integration and simplified procedures such as Small Claims Courts are transforming user experiences and opening multiple pathways to justice.
Last evening, Justice John Eudes Keitirima, the Head of the Family Division delivered a substantive presentation on Uganda's initiatives in court-annexed mediation and emerging strategies to popularise private mediation agreements. He offered an in-depth account of the Judiciary's efforts to increase the uptake of ADR in courts and the policy frameworks being developed to support the introduction of private mediation nationwide.
Today, the morning session featured Lady Justice Olive Kazaarwe Mukwaya, who discussed the Small Claims Procedure in Ugandan courts, describing it as "the people's court." She explained the governing law, the procedural flow and the tremendous benefits Small Claims Courts have brought to Uganda's justice system. Justice Kazaarwe noted that the simplicity, speed and user-friendly nature of the Small Claims model provides an alternative door to justice, particularly for the poor, vulnerable and self-represented litigants.
In a plenary discussion on shifting judicial roles under a multi-door justice approach, Lady Justice Kazaarwe shared the experience of the International Association of Women Judges - Uganda Chapter, which has partnered with Sanyu Babies' Home to assist children under foster care to acquire adoption orders. According to her, this initiative secures the legal status of children and strengthens protection of their rights.
HW Katushabe Prossy, Registrar High Court, guided delegates through mechanisms for promoting fairness, dignity and equality for justice seekers within a multi-door framework. She referenced Article 28 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing, and Article 24, which prohibits torture. She applauded Ugandan courts for decisions that promote and preserve human rights, including landmark rulings such as Law Advocacy for Women in Uganda versus Attorney General, which challenged discriminatory divorce laws; the Mifumi case, which outlawed the refund of bride price; and the recent Uganda versus Kweyalo case, which expanded knowledge and awareness of Alternative Justice Systems in Uganda. HW Katushabe concluded by recommending a holistic national framework combining legal safeguards, capacity building, oversight and community empowerment to ensure all doors to justice respect constitutional rights.
Newly appointed Chief Magistrate HW Ayebare Daphne presented a detailed analysis of the legal status of mediation outcomes and Alternative Justice Systems in Uganda. She provided a deep dive into the various AJS institutions, including traditional agreements, community mediation, court-annexed mediation, plea bargaining, Small Claims Courts and Local Council Courts, and explained which outcomes are final and which are subject to review under Ugandan law.
The day concluded with a Gala Dinner hosted by the Chief Justice of Kenya, bringing together delegates for reflection, networking and continued regional collaboration.
Posted 3rd, December 2025
