High Court Land Division Launches Mediation Fortnight to Tackle Case Backlog

The High Court’s Land Division is rolling out a special “Mediation Settlement Fortnight” to significantly speed up the resolution of land-related legal battles and reduce the heavy backlog of cases. This focused period for alternative dispute resolution is scheduled to run from June 29 to July 10.

During this fortnight, all pending land disputes will be prioritized for mediation sessions. High Court Judge Justine Atukwase, speaking on behalf of the division, revealed that the initiative aims to address common issues such as allegations of trespass, disputes over land ownership, and problems stemming from defective land titles.

The public is also being encouraged to bring forward any land-related disputes they are currently involved in, so these can be considered for inclusion in the mediation process.

Judge Atukwase highlighted that several factors contribute to the slow pace of land case disposal, including a lack of personal engagement from litigants who leave matters solely to their lawyers, limited public understanding of mediation’s benefits, and delays within the legal advocacy process. She also pointed to “pride” as a significant obstacle that often prevents amicable settlements.

To counter these challenges, parties involved in land disputes are strongly urged to attend mediation sessions personally. This direct involvement can foster quicker resolutions and de-escalate tensions in contentious ownership and resettlement matters.

The judiciary hopes this concentrated mediation effort will not only decongest the Land Division’s registry but also promote more efficient and mutually agreeable settlements, thereby saving parties from lengthy and costly court proceedings.

Source: Nile Post