The Court of Appeal has stepped up efforts to expand appellate mediation as a strategy to reduce its backlog of more than 14,000 pending cases and improve access to timely, affordable and accessible justice.
Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi highlighted the importance of mediation during a meeting with 11 newly deployed Court-accredited mediators attached to the Court of Appeal in Kampala.
The meeting, which was held both physically and virtually, focused on the implementation of the appellate mediation programme, capacity building and strengthening collaboration between the Court and the mediators. It was also attended by Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, a Justice of the Court of Appeal and Court Administrator.
Welcoming the mediators, Justice Kawumi thanked them for supporting the Judiciary’s efforts to promote mediation and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He called for continuous training and regular engagement between the Court Administration and mediators to enhance their capacity and improve the quality of mediation services.
“Judgments determine cases, but mediation resolves disputes,” Justice Kawumi said, describing the statement as the essence of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
He noted that mediation was critical in addressing the Court’s heavy caseload while ensuring that disputes are resolved more quickly and affordably.
The Deputy Chief Justice assured the mediators of the Court’s support within available resources and encouraged them to work closely with the legal fraternity to increase the uptake of appellate mediation.
Justice Kiryabwire welcomed the newly deployed mediators, describing them as an integral part of the Court’s appellate mediation programme. He said the Court plans to develop a practical working protocol to guide mediators in carrying out their responsibilities.
He explained that appellate mediation is anchored in Article 126(2)(d) of the Constitution, which promotes reconciliation as one of the guiding principles in the administration of justice.
Justice Kiryabwire revealed that the Court has successfully mediated more than 300 appeals since the introduction of appellate mediation. Although he described the achievement as significant, he noted that more efforts were needed given the Court’s backlog of over 14,000 pending cases.
He also observed that acceptance of appellate mediation among Justices had grown considerably, with earlier resistance to the programme largely disappearing.
Justice Kiryabwire urged the mediators to view themselves as peacemakers whose role goes beyond facilitating legal negotiations to helping parties identify their underlying interests and reach mutually acceptable solutions.
The meeting agreed on several measures to strengthen the programme, including regular capacity-building sessions for mediators, quarterly review meetings and increased sensitisation of advocates to encourage greater use of appellate mediation.
The newly deployed mediators included Francis Atoke, Francis Gimara, Norah Winyi Matovu, George Omunyokol, Anaclet Turyakira and Max Mutabingwa.
