Commercial Court targets 350 cases in November mediation fortnight
“This fortnight will focus on intellectual property, insurance and tax appeals disputes. Over 350 disputes will be handled, unlocking substantial sums of money locked up in litigation,” Justice Mugenyi said.
Judges of the commercial court, Anna Mugenyi, Susan Abinyo and Patience Rubagumya during the roundtable discussion at the Court of Appeal conference hall on Monday, November 9, 2026. (Photo by Farooq Kasule)
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Musicians chasing royalties, policy holders waiting on payouts, companies and individuals locked in tax appeals could see their long-running disputes settled in just two weeks.
This was after the commercial court set out to mediate 350 cases relating to intellectual property, insurance and tax appeals between November 16 and 30.
Commercial Court head judge Anna Mugenyi made the revelation during a pre-settlement roundtable at the Court of Appeal conference hall on Monday, November 9, 2026.
“This fortnight will focus on intellectual property, insurance and tax appeals disputes. Over 350 disputes will be handled, unlocking substantial sums of money locked up in litigation,” Justice Mugenyi said.
She noted that the commercial division carries a caseload of more than 6,000 cases and that mediation is the court’s fastest route to shrinking it.
Justice Mugenyi encouraged the Uganda Revenue Authority and insurance sector institutions to fully embrace the initiative so that disputes tied up in court can be unlocked.
“I wish to commend the Commercial Court for this initiative and in particular for adopting an approach that goes beyond simply scheduling mediation cases. The lesson from past efforts is that mediation works best when the justice system and the stakeholders who use it are prepared to work together before mediation,” Abodo said.
As the judiciary moves towards institutionalising clustered settlement fortnights, Abodo said it is important to develop a coordinated and predictable approach.
“This is where the Judicial Training Institute plays an important role,” she noted.
Appreciating the court for targeting the insurance sector, Abodo said insurance plays a critical role in the economy by providing financial protection against risks, safeguarding investments and supporting business continuity.
According to her, it facilitates economic activity by giving individuals, businesses and institutions the confidence to undertake commercial ventures knowing they have mechanisms to manage unforeseen losses.
“This is particularly relevant to Uganda’s growing arts and creative industry, which includes music, film, literature, fashion, visual arts and other creative enterprises. Intellectual property rights protect creators’ work, innovation and investment, enabling them to derive economic value from their talent and creativity. The creative industry is not merely a source of entertainment and cultural expression; it also contributes to job creation, enterprise, investment and national economic growth,” Abodo said.
She noted that disputes relating to copyright infringement, ownership, licensing, royalties and unauthorised exploitation of creative works can have serious economic consequences when left unresolved.
Abodo said delays may deprive artists and creators of income, allow continued unauthorised use of their works, discourage investment in creative enterprises and diminish the commercial value of intellectual property.
“It is, therefore, important that we explain mediation as a practical avenue for resolving suitable intellectual property disputes, allowing parties to negotiate licensing arrangements, royalties, compensation and other mutually acceptable solutions while preserving professional and commercial relationships,” Abodo said.
Underscoring the importance of the pre-settlement roundtable, Abodo said the more courts prepare before the settlement fortnight, the more likely it is to produce meaningful results.
“I thank the Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Prof. Andrew Khaukha, and his team for supporting this important engagement, and the stakeholders, who have taken the time to participate. Your presence demonstrates that the responsibility for improving access to justice is shared,” Abodo said.
Taking part in the roundtable discussions, lawyers Fred Muwema and Silver Kayondo appealed for incentives for lawyers, who take part in mediation, saying many are reluctant to embrace it because they are paid according to the number of court appearances they make.