Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo has urged judicial officers, advocates and the public to embrace mediation as the preferred first option for resolving family disputes, describing it as a faster, less costly and more humane approach that restores relationships while helping to reduce the Judiciary's case backlog.
Lady Justice Abodo made the remarks while officially launching the Family Division Mediation Fortnight at the High Court Family Division.
She was received by the Head of the Family Division, Justice John Eudes Keitirima, the Deputy Head of the Division, Lady Justice Immaculate Busingye, judges of the Family Division and other courts, registrars and magistrates.
Commending the Family Division for championing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the Principal Judge praised Justice Keitirima's leadership in advancing mediation within the Judiciary.
She observed that family disputes are often emotionally charged and that resolving them solely through litigation can leave divisions that persist across generations.
"While litigation determines legal rights, mediation restores relationships. It brings healing, closure and peace to families," Lady Justice Abodo said.
She urged judicial officers to explain the benefits of mediation to litigants at the earliest opportunity and encouraged advocates to advise clients to pursue mediation before resorting to lengthy court proceedings.
The Principal Judge also applauded the Division's mediators for their professionalism and integrity, noting that the success of mediation largely depends on their commitment. She further called upon the media and the public to help promote Alternative Dispute Resolution, emphasizing that the Judiciary cannot sustainably address its growing caseload through litigation alone.
The Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute and Focal Judge for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Justice Andrew Khaukha, commended the Family Division for consistently ranking among the Judiciary's top-performing courts in mediation despite limited resources. He attributed the Division's success to committed leadership, teamwork and dedication.
Justice Khaukha acknowledged challenges facing the ADR programme, including delays in payments to mediators, and said reforms spearheaded by the Chief Justice and the Principal Judge are underway to strengthen and institutionalize Alternative Dispute Resolution across the Judiciary.
The Head of the Family Division, Justice John Eudes Keitirima, reaffirmed the Division's commitment to resolving family disputes amicably through mediation.
He said mediation helps preserve family unity, prevents conflicts from escalating, and should be the first step in handling family-related matters. He also thanked mediators and court staff for their dedication to the programme.
The Deputy Head of the Family Division, Lady Justice Immaculate Busingye, commended the teamwork among judges, registrars, mediators and support staff, and expressed gratitude to the Principal Judge for her continued support of the Division's mediation initiatives.
The Family Division Mediation Fortnight is intended to promote the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution as an efficient, accessible and people-centred mechanism for resolving family disputes while easing pressure on the courts.
