The Head of the Commercial Division of the High Court, Lady Justice Anna Mugenyi, has initiated preparations for a Mediation Settlement Fortnight, convening key stakeholders ahead of the exercise scheduled to run from May 18, 2026 to May 28, 2026 at the Division.
The initiative, which brings together major banking institutions under the coordination of the Uganda Bankers Association, is aimed at addressing an estimated Shs2.5 trillion currently locked in commercial litigation. It signals a deliberate push by the judiciary to ease financial gridlock caused by prolonged disputes.
Guided by strategic direction from the Chief Justice, the Commercial Division is intensifying its focus on banking and financial cases, with judicial officers encouraged to steer parties toward mediation as a faster and more efficient alternative to litigation.
The Division continues to handle a docket dominated by financial disputes, including loan recovery, mortgage enforcement, guarantees, and other complex commercial transactions.
These cases are closely tied to financial sector stability, with their resolution seen as critical to unlocking capital and supporting economic activity.
The Mediation Settlement Fortnight is expected to provide a structured and time-bound framework for negotiated settlements, reducing case backlog while improving the pace of justice delivery.
Particular attention will be placed on loan recovery and contractual disputes involving financial institutions, alongside broader efforts to expand the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
“This process is intended to create a practical pathway for resolving disputes in a manner that is both efficient and responsive to the needs of the commercial sector,” said Lady Justice Anna Mugenyi.
The preparatory meeting brought together senior judicial officers, including Lady Justice Susan Abinyo, Deputy Head of the Division; Justice Thomas Ocaya; and Justice Prof Andrew Khaukha, who oversees Alternative Dispute Resolution within the Division. Deputy Registrar Racheal Nakyazze also attended.
From the banking sector, participants included John Nambale, Vice Chairperson of the Uganda Bankers Association Legal Committee; Andrew Manso, Chair of Alternative Dispute Resolution at the Association; Catherine Abamu of KCB Bank; and Simon Peter Nyero Lukwiya, Legal Manager at Financial Trust Bank, among others.
Ahead of the fortnight, the Division has outlined key pre-implementation steps, including direct engagement with litigants whose cases are pending before the Court.
A training session for lawyers is scheduled for May 6, 2026, followed by stakeholder roundtable discussions on May 7, 2026 to align expectations and ensure operational readiness.
