Principal Judge Flags Off Family Division Mediation Fortnight, Calls for Greater Use of Mediation in Family Disputes
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has called upon judicial officers, advocates and the public to embrace mediation as the first option in resolving family disputes. She described Mediation as a faster, less costly and more humane approach that restores relationships while reducing case backlog.
Lady Justice Abodo made the remarks this morning while flagging off the Family Division Mediation Fortnight at the High Court Family Division. She was received by the Head of the Family Division, Hon. Justice John Eudes Keitirima, the Deputy Head of Division, Lady Justice Immaculate Busingye, judges of the Family Division, judges from other courts, Registrars and Magistrates.
Commending the Family Division for championing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the Principal Judge hailed Justice Keitirima’s leadership in advancing mediation within the Judiciary.
She observed that family disputes are often emotionally charged and may persist across generations if handled solely through litigation.“While litigation determines legal rights, mediation restores relationships. It brings healing, closure and peace to families,” she said.
Lady Justice Abodo urged judicial officers to explain the benefits of mediation to litigants at the earliest opportunity and encouraged advocates to advise clients to pursue mediation before resorting to lengthy court proceedings.
She also applauded the Division’s mediators for their professionalism and integrity, noting that successful mediation depends on their commitment. She further called on the media and the public to help promote ADR, saying the Judiciary cannot sustainably address the growing caseload through litigation alone.
The Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Justice Andrew Khaukha and also Focal Judge, Alternative Dispute Resolution, commended the Family Division for consistently ranking among the Judiciary’s top-performing courts in mediation despite limited resources. He attributed the Division’s success to committed leadership and teamwork.
Justice Khaukha acknowledged challenges facing the ADR programme, including delayed payments to mediators, and said reforms spearheaded by the Chief Justice and the Principal Judge are underway to strengthen and institutionalise ADR across the Judiciary.
Justice John Eudes Keitirima, reiterated the Division’s commitment to resolving family disputes amicably.
He said mediation preserves family unity, prevents conflicts from escalating and should be the first step in handling family-related matters. He thanked mediators and court staff for their dedication to the programme.
The Deputy Head of the Division, Lady Justice Immaculate Busingye, commended the teamwork among judges, registrars, mediators and support staff, and thanked the Principal Judge for her continued support of the Family Division’s mediation initiatives.
Posted 6th, July 2026
