The Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, has urged judicial officers, advocates and the public to embrace mediation as the preferred first step in resolving family disputes, describing it as a faster, less expensive and more humane alternative to litigation.
Speaking on Monday while flagging off the Family Division Mediation Fortnight at the High Court Family Division, Lady Justice Abodo said mediation not only reduces the Judiciary’s growing case backlog but also helps preserve relationships and promotes lasting peace within families.
She was received by the Head of the Family Division, John Eudes Keitirima, the Deputy Head of Division, Immaculate Busingye, alongside judges, registrars and magistrates.
Commending the Family Division for championing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Lady Justice Abodo praised Justice Keitirima’s leadership in expanding the use of mediation within the Judiciary.
She noted that family disputes are often emotionally charged and can have lasting effects across generations if resolved solely through litigation.
“While litigation determines legal rights, mediation restores relationships. It brings healing, closure and peace to families,” she said.
The Principal Judge encouraged judicial officers to explain the benefits of mediation to litigants at the earliest opportunity and urged advocates to guide clients towards mediation before opting for lengthy court proceedings.
She also applauded the Division’s mediators for their professionalism and integrity, saying their commitment is vital to the success of the ADR programme.
Lady Justice Abodo further called on the media and the public to support efforts to promote mediation, noting that the Judiciary cannot sustainably address the increasing caseload through litigation alone.
The Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute and Focal Judge for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Andrew Khaukha, commended the Family Division for remaining among the Judiciary’s top-performing courts in mediation despite limited resources.
Justice Khaukha attributed the Division’s success to strong leadership and teamwork, while acknowledging challenges such as delayed payments to mediators. He said reforms led by the Chief Justice and the Principal Judge are underway to strengthen and institutionalise ADR across the Judiciary.
Justice Keitirima reaffirmed the Family Division’s commitment to resolving disputes amicably, saying mediation helps preserve family unity, prevents conflicts from escalating and should remain the first option in handling family-related cases.
Meanwhile, Lady Justice Busingye praised the collaboration among judges, registrars, mediators and support staff, and thanked the Principal Judge for her continued support in advancing mediation initiatives within the Family Division.
