By Immam Sadiq Taremwa
The Judiciary in Uganda has launched a country-wide settlement session, aiming to resolve pending court cases through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. The initiative, which will run throughout November, is being implemented in various courts across the country.
Speaking on the Salam TV Judiciary Program hosted by Mariam Businge, Deputy Registrar ADR, HW Nanteza Zulaika, praised Ugandans for embracing mediation as a means of resolving disputes. She highlighted the types of cases to be handled during the November ADR sessions, including civil, land, family, and commercial matters, with a focus on open plea bargain sessions.
According to Zulaika, the ADR registry has successfully closed over 6,083 cases country-wide since its inception last year. The current initiative aims to resolve 600 cases in courts such as Mbarara, Kasese, Wakiso, Gulu, Lira, Patong, Arua, Kitgum, and Masaka, among others.
The Judiciary encourages Ugandans to utilize the ADR mechanism, which offers a faster, cost-effective, and compassionate way to resolve disputes, while also helping to clear the country's case backlog. The ADR registry has been at the forefront of efforts to address new and existing cases, and its success has been notable, with mediation services available in all court levels, from Grade 1 to High Court Circuits.
The launch of the country-wide settlement sessions is part of the Judiciary's efforts to enhance access to justice and promote peaceful resolution of disputes. Salam TV Uganda, the first Islamic TV station in Uganda, is supporting this initiative through its "Judiciary Show" program, which provides a platform for insightful discussions and community engagement on matters related to justice and the law.
Salam TV Uganda broadcasts "Judiciary Show" every Thursday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The channel is available on various platforms, including StarTimes Channel 293, Azam 348, GoTV 326 & Zuuku 884
The show can also be streamed live on Afromobile and Salam TV Uganda's digital assets, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube & WhatsApp Channel