By Diana N. Kintu
The Judiciary of Uganda has introduced new Mediation Rules aimed at strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and improving access to justice across the country. The reforms, contained in the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026, were officially gazetted on 27 March 2026, replacing the earlier Judicature (Mediation) Rules, 2013.
The new framework represents a significant step in ongoing efforts to modernise Uganda’s justice system and address persistent challenges such as case backlog and delays in dispute resolution.
By enhancing the use of mediation within the court system, the Judiciary seeks to promote faster, more efficient, and less adversarial mechanisms for resolving civil disputes.
Speaking on the reforms, the Chief Justice, Flavian Zeija, noted that the introduction of the new rules aligns with his broader vision of building a people-centred, responsive, and efficient justice system.
“Mediation plays a central role in reducing case backlog, fostering timely dispute resolution, and strengthening public confidence in the Judiciary,” he said.
The Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026 establish a comprehensive structure for the application of mediation across all levels of courts in Uganda. The rules apply to civil matters arising from lawsuits or appeals where parties voluntarily agree to pursue mediation as an alternative to litigation.
A key feature of the new rules is the streamlining of accreditation and registration processes for mediators. The Judiciary has also strengthened oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism, accountability, and quality assurance in the delivery of mediation services.
In addition, the roles and responsibilities of mediators, litigants, advocates, and judicial officers have been clearly defined, providing greater clarity and consistency in the mediation process.
To address longstanding concerns about delays, the rules introduce strict timelines, requiring mediation proceedings to be concluded within 60 days. This provision is expected to significantly improve the pace of dispute resolution and reduce the backlog of cases in the courts.
In a move aimed at enhancing accessibility, the Judiciary will facilitate and remunerate court-accredited mediators. This means that parties engaged in court-annexed mediation will not be required to pay mediation fees, effectively removing financial barriers that have previously limited uptake of the process.
Legal experts note that this development could encourage more litigants to opt for mediation, particularly in civil disputes where preserving relationships and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes are often critical.
The reforms are also aligned with Uganda’s broader justice sector objectives of promoting social harmony and reducing reliance on adversarial litigation. By embedding mediation within the formal court system, the Judiciary aims to ease the workload of judges while ensuring that disputes are resolved in a timely and amicable manner.
According to the Judiciary, the new rules reinforce mediation as a central pillar of ADR, ensuring that justice is not only delivered but delivered efficiently and equitably.
Stakeholders, including litigants, advocates, and justice sector actors, have been urged to embrace mediation as a practical and effective pathway for resolving disputes. The Judiciary believes that widespread adoption of the new framework will contribute to a more responsive legal system and improved public trust in the administration of justice.
The rollout of the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026 underscores Uganda’s commitment to judicial reform and innovation, positioning mediation as a cornerstone of a modern, accessible, and people-focused justice system.