Family court to handle 90 mediation cases in fortnight

KAMPALA - The Family Division of the High Court has commenced a two-week case settlement exercise aimed at resolving long-standing disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, particularly mediation.

Speaking at the launch of the exercise on June 18, 2025, the court’s head, Justice John Eudes Keitirima, emphasised the importance of mediation in resolving family-related matters.

He noted that the division has institutionalised the practice of dedicating the last two weeks of every quarter to mediation, recognising its value in preserving family relationships and societal cohesion.

“Family is the foundation of society. When disputes are resolved amicably, families can maintain harmony, safeguard what has been entrusted to them by their departed loved ones and focus on development,” Keitirima said. 

The judge said resolving family disputes not only strengthens individual households but also promotes peace and productivity in the wider community.

Keitirima said they are targeting the resolution of 90 cases in two weeks. The cases selected for mediation include divorce causes and civil suits related to the estates of deceased persons.

According to the assistant registrar in charge of mediation at the division, Juliet Komugisha, each of the 12 mediators assigned to the exercise is expected to conclude at least 20 cases within two weeks.

To support the process, the registrar said every mediator has been assigned a clerk and or a process server to ensure timely service of the process.

The mediators include serving and retired judicial officers and other accredited professionals, including Keitirima, retired Justices Augustine Nshimye, Paul Mugamba and Remmy Kasule, as well as former Solicitor General Francis Atoke.