The Judiciary of Uganda has unveiled a new legal framework designed to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and improve access to justice across the country through mandatory court-annexed mediation processes.
In a statement dated April 13, 2026, the Judiciary announced the operationalisation of the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026, issued by the Chief Justice Flavian Zeija under Statutory Instrument No. 14 of 2026 on March 27.
The new regulations replace the 2013 mediation framework and mark a significant shift in how civil disputes will be handled within Uganda’s justice system.
According to the Judiciary, the reforms are intended to promote amicable settlement of disputes, reduce the growing backlog of cases in courts, and enhance overall efficiency in justice delivery.
The new rules also align with the Chief Justice’s broader agenda of building a more people-centered and responsive judicial system.
The Judiciary emphasized that mediation will now take a more central role in resolving disputes in a faster, less adversarial, and cost-effective manner.
The framework applies primarily to civil matters arising from lawsuits and appeals, provided parties agree or are directed to pursue mediation.
A key feature of the new rules is the introduction of strict timelines, requiring that mediation proceedings be concluded within 60 days. This is expected to significantly reduce delays that have long plagued the justice system.
The reforms also introduce a streamlined system for the accreditation and registration of mediators, alongside clearer guidelines defining the roles of mediators, litigants, lawyers, and courts.
The Judiciary says this is aimed at improving accountability and professionalism within the mediation process.
In a move expected to remove financial barriers to justice, the Judiciary will now facilitate and remunerate court-accredited mediators.
Under this arrangement, litigants will not be required to pay mediation fees, a change anticipated to encourage wider use of mediation services across the country.
The Judiciary has called on litigants, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders to embrace mediation as a practical pathway to resolving disputes, noting that it fosters reconciliation while ensuring faster access to justice.
Officials say the rollout of the new framework represents a major milestone in ongoing judicial reforms, positioning mediation as a key pillar in addressing delays and inefficiencies within Uganda’s court system.
