Judiciary Launches 40-Hour Mediation Training to Address Case Backlog in Western Uganda
The Judiciary has launched a specialised 40-hour mediation training programme for 40 mediators from the western region, as part of efforts to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), reduce case backlog and promote faster and more amicable resolution of disputes.
The five-day programme, being held at Triangle Hotel in Mbarara, is spearheaded by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) in partnership with the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Registry, with support from the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO).
The training targets mediators serving the High Court Circuits of Kabale, Bushenyi, Rukungiri and Mbarara, equipping them with enhanced skills to support the Judiciary’s efforts to reduce case backlog, lower litigation costs for citizens and the State, and improve access to timely justice.
The urgency of strengthening mediation was underscored by the Head of Mbarara High Court Circuit, Justice Allan Paul Nshimye, who shared that the Court alone has over 4,000 pending cases, currently being handled by only two Judges due to space constraints.
While officially launching the training, Supreme Court’s Justice Mike Chibita who doubles as the Chairperson of the JTI Governing Council, in his virtual address, underscored the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening mediation through more comprehensive and practical training.
He noted that under the leadership of the Chief Justice, the Judiciary has moved beyond general introductory courses to a rigorous, internationally benchmarked 40-hour curriculum designed to equip mediators with the skills required to effectively handle disputes.
“This is not a routine workshop. This is a deliberate move from the outdated one- or two-day models to a comprehensive programme that meets global best practices,” Justice Chibita stated. “We are equipping mediators not just with techniques, but with the advanced skills needed to handle complex disputes swiftly and affordably.”
He urged the trainees to see themselves as “agents of harmony and architects of a more equitable society.” He reminded them that the Judiciary and the people of Uganda are counting on their dedication to promote peace and accessible justice in their communities.
Justice Nshimye, in his remarks, emphasised the critical role mediators can play in easing pressure on courts, particularly in areas experiencing heavy caseloads.
“This training is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” Justice Nshimye said. “We need mediators to step up and divert cases away from the courtroom. Do not let the Institute down. Your work will build lasting peace across this region.”
IDLO Country Manager, Ms Barbra Kilei, commended the partnership with the Judiciary and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, noting that mediation places people, rather than legal technicalities, at the centre of dispute resolution.
“In mediation, you listen, you restore, and you empower participants. You do not rush to solutions,” she explained. “This week is a deeper commitment to inspire confidence in the future of dispute resolution in Uganda.”
The Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Justice Andrew Khaukha, who delivered his remarks virtually, thanked IDLO for providing resources for the programme and appreciated local judicial officers for their flexibility in hosting the regional training.
Justice Khaukha stressed the importance of maintaining high standards in the preparation of mediators, noting that participants are required to complete all practical exercises, attend every session and pass mandatory pre-deployment assessments before they are cleared to mediate.
The faculty, which includes Senior Counsel Francis Gimara, Dr Henry Onoria and a team of seasoned facilitators, will take participants through intensive simulations, counselling theories and conflict psychology sessions.
Beyond strengthening their mediation skills, the trainees are expected to build sufficient capacity to eventually take on roles as trainers, thereby supporting the expansion and sustainability of mediation expertise within the Judiciary.
The Mbarara training is the first phase of a broader capacity-building campaign. A second phase is planned to further extend advanced mediation expertise across the western and south-western regions.
Through the programme, the Judiciary is strengthening its investment in a people-centred, efficient and trustworthy justice system that promotes the amicable resolution of disputes while reducing the burden on courts.
Present at the launch were Deputy Registrars; HW Juliet Harty Hatanga (JTI); HW Godfrey Kaweesa (ADR Registry); HW Dr Daniel Lubowa, (Assistant Registrar, ADR Registry); HW Esther Nasambu Adonyo (Chief Magistrate, JTI); HW Daniel Bwambale, Senior Principal Magistrate, ADR Registry; members of the IDLO team; and JTI staff.
Posted 17th, August 2026
