The Judiciary of Uganda is hosting a five-day capacity building programme for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioners, scheduled to take place from March 9th-13th, 2026 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
The programme, named “Gumzo La ADR” aims to strengthen ADR mechanisms as a complementary pathway for resolving disputes, aligning with the National ADR Policy approved by the Government in February 2025.
The term Gumzo is a short form of Mzungumizo which is a Kiswahili term that means dialogue. This dialogue is themed “Reimagining and Positioning ADR as the Preferred Dispute Resolution Mechanism for Africa”.
The event is a collaborative effort between the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, African Leadership Programme (ALP), and International Development Law Organization (IDLO).
"The programme will bring together Judicial Officers, mediators, arbitrators, ADR practitioners, justice sector actors, cultural leaders, financial sector actors, and local and international experts," said Ritah Mukundane, Communications Officer, Judicial Training Institute (JTI).
The five-day programme will focus on different ADR mechanisms, including mediation, Alternative Justice Systems, construction law adjudication, resolving financial disputes, and international commercial arbitration.
Chief Justice of Uganda, while officially opening the programme, emphasized that ADR needs to be given a lead position in dispute resolution in Uganda, and not only be looked at as a complimentary tool to litigation. The President of the East African Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Nestor Kayonera, has represented the African Chief Justices ADR Forum.
The ADR Gumzo is part of the Judiciary's efforts to strengthen ADR mechanisms and promote a more efficient, accessible, and people-centred justice system.
