Over 15 retired judges tapped to clear case backlog through mediation

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The Judiciary is set to deploy the expertise of over 15 retired judges and justices to help reduce the national case backlog during a two-week initiative running from Monday, June 16, to Friday, June 27, 2025.

According to the Judiciary, the retired judicial officers will be supported by sitting judicial staff from nine courts across the country. These include the Court of Appeal, Commercial Division, Family Division, Mukono High Court, and Fort Portal High Court. The participating Magistrates’ Courts are Mengo, Makindye, Nabweru, and Fort Portal Chief Magistrates’ Court.

On Monday, the Judiciary announced it had trained over 300 mediators, including religious leaders, to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and expedite the disposal of cases during this period.

The announcement was made during a press briefing by the Deputy Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, held at the Court of Appeal.

“And then lastly, court-accredited mediators trained and attached to respective courts. So, we have individuals who are normally accredited by this court to mediate matters. These are not necessarily judges, but they are being trained by us as courts on how to handle mediations,” Zeija clarified.

Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire speaking to Jornalists during a press Conference at Court of Appeal on Monday 16th, June 2025. (Photo by Miriam Najjingo)

He explained that mediators can be religious leaders or any person capable of helping disputing parties reach an amicable settlement.

“A total of 513 case files have been identified and referred to mediators. These are civil, family, land and common matters already filed in the court and deemed suitable for mediation,” Zeija stated.

He said the initiative has been made possible through a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Uganda.

“Our target is to conclude at least 300 cases by the end of this exercise,” he emphasised.

Dr Zeija added, “We have had over 300 mediators trained and accredited all over the country, and these can be accessed at most of our courts. So, it's not only judicial officers, but we have mediators sitting at our courts who can mediate your cases at any time. Then we have pre-bargaining camps as well in the criminal justice system.”

According to the Judiciary, the Settlement Fortnight is a dedicated two-week effort aimed at promoting mediation as a means of resolving civil disputes outside the formal courtroom framework, while also improving access to justice across Uganda.

Sessions are being handled by serving judicial officers—including judges, justices, magistrates, and registrars—alongside the retired judges and justices.

Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, a member of the ADR Adhoc Committee, called on members of the public with cases pending in the Court of Appeal to seize this opportunity to settle their disputes.

“This is important because, one, there are many cases in this court, many matters that have to be resolved, nearly 12,000, and we are very few justices. It takes three or five justices to sit in a matter,” he stated.

According to Kiryabwire, it is not always easy to assemble three or five justices for each case in a timely manner.

“However, with mediation, we are going to have an opportunity to allocate just one justice or a court-accredited mediator to sit and help the parties resolve the dispute themselves,” he said. Adding, “And, you know, there is no better settlement than a settlement that is reached by the parties themselves getting involved.”

About settlement fortnight

Also known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Fortnight, the Case Settlement Fortnight is a court-led programme designed to ease case backlogs by resolving pending civil and domestic relations cases through mediation.

During this period, courts identify suitable cases for mediation based on recommendations from judges, lawyers, or the parties involved.

This initiative forms part of the Judiciary’s wider efforts to reduce the case backlog, promote timely and amicable resolution of disputes, and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

“Even if your case wasn't selected during this fortnight, you are encouraged to request a referral for mediation through your respective courts. Mediation services are now part of everyday case management,” Zeija noted.

Recently, the Judiciary conducted a national census of pending cases. A case is classified as part of the backlog if it has remained unresolved for more than two years.