The Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, today officially opened Day Four of the GUMZO LA Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Conference at Mestil Hotel and Residences in Kampala, where discussions focused on strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms to support financial stability and economic growth.
The Chief Justice highlighted the growing importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in unlocking capital tied up in prolonged commercial disputes, particularly within the banking and financial sector. Drawing from his personal experience working in the banking industry before joining the Bench, he explained that financial transactions and loan agreements are often highly technical, especially when they involve international frameworks, which can make traditional litigation complex and time-consuming.
Justice Zeija noted that commercial disputes, particularly those involving banks, are frequently prolonged by litigants who file cases mainly to delay inevitable outcomes such as loan recovery or the sale of mortgaged property. According to him, these delays not only affect financial institutions but also have wider economic consequences.
He emphasized that ADR provides a faster and more practical avenue for resolving such disputes, allowing parties to address technical disagreements without halting projects or disrupting economic activity. Through mediation or arbitration, disputes can be handled by experts with specialized knowledge, such as engineers for construction disputes or financial specialists for banking matters, thereby improving both the quality and speed of decision-making.
The Chief Justice also pointed out that prolonged court cases carry financial implications for banks due to regulatory requirements that compel them to make provisions for bad debts. These provisions are treated as expenses, meaning that delayed recovery of loans directly affects bank income and financial stability. He observed that the faster disputes are resolved, the easier it becomes for banks to recover funds and continue lending, which ultimately benefits the wider economy.
Justice Zeija concluded by observing that while litigation often becomes a cost centre, ADR should instead be viewed as a value-unlocking strategy that enables resources to be redirected toward economic development rather than prolonged legal battles.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, commended the Judiciary for championing ADR and reaffirmed the Government's support for initiatives aimed at reducing case backlog and improving access to justice. He noted that the growing participation at the conference demonstrates increasing recognition across the justice sector that disputes should be resolved more efficiently.
Hon. Mao observed that many disputes that reach the courts are not necessarily aimed at resolution but rather at prolonging disagreements, adding that mediation provides an opportunity for parties to negotiate practical solutions outside adversarial courtroom settings. He emphasized that the choice of mediator is crucial, noting that effective mediation requires individuals who command the confidence of both parties and can guide them toward mutually beneficial outcomes.
Senior Counsel Francis Gimara, Head of the ALP Dispute Settlement Hub, explained that the day's discussions were dedicated to Domestic Arbitration, focusing on how arbitration mechanisms within national jurisdictions can provide efficient, credible, and commercially responsive dispute resolution. He noted that domestic arbitration is increasingly becoming a critical tool for resolving commercial disputes quickly and confidentially, helping businesses maintain relationships while avoiding the delays and costs often associated with litigation.
Prof. Githu Muigai delivered a keynote address virtually on "Advancing Arbitration in Africa: The Role of Attorneys-General and African Governments." Justice Stephen Mubiru, Head of the Mukono Circuit, also delivered a presentation on “Why Ethical Arbitration is the Key Driver for Successful Domestic Arbitration."
The Conference further featured a segment titled "Real Stories from the Frontline: How Domestic Arbitration is Shaping Investment Decisions in Africa," with contributions from Mr. Andrew Rugasira and Ms. Clare Akamanzi, among others.
Participants later engaged in technical discussions examining how arbitration can empower small and medium enterprises to access justice in commercial disputes across Africa, as well as dispute resolution in the sports sector, where emerging trends, governance issues, and prospects were explored. Speakers in these sessions included Mr. Philip Jliker of Tanfield Chambers, Ms. Ann Namara Musinguzi of Namara Musinguzi & Co. Advocates, Mr. Ezra Muhumuza of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, and Ms. Olivia Kyarimpa Matovu of Ligomarc Advocates. Deliberations on dispute resolution in the sports sector featured Dr. Donald Rukare, Mr. Moses B. Mwase, Ms. Diana Kwesiga, Mr. Alex Luganda, andMr. Matthias Nalwanya.
The afternoon programme culminated in a debate on the motion, "This House believes that Climate Change disputes are best resolved by arbitration." The day concluded with coffee and networking among participants as discussions continued on strengthening ADR mechanisms across Africa to support investment ,justice delivery, and economic development.
Posted 12th, March 2026
