justice 6 July 2026 Nile Post
Community Mediators Graduate, Boosting Alternative Dispute Resolution
A new cohort of community mediators has completed a year-long training program, equipping them with skills to resolve disputes outside of court and alleviate the strain on Uganda's judicial system. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/354204/community-mediators-graduate-to-help-reduce-court-case-backlog-through-alternative-dispute-resolution
A new wave of community mediators has graduated after completing an intensive year-long professional training program. This initiative, orchestrated by Reconciliation Trust International, aims to bolster alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and significantly reduce the escalating backlog of cases within Uganda’s court system.
The graduation ceremony, held in Mityana, marked the culmination of training designed to equip community leaders with practical skills for mediating conflicts. The goal is to resolve disputes at the grassroots level before they necessitate formal legal action.
Magistrate Grace Wakooli, representing the Mityana Chief Magistrate, emphasized the importance of integrity and compassion in this public service role. She urged the mediators to provide accessible justice, especially for vulnerable individuals who may not afford court fees, stressing that mediation should not be a commercial Jendeavor.
Officials highlighted that by settling minor civil, family, and community disputes outside of court, these mediators will enable judicial officers to dedicate more time to complex cases, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the justice system. The Uganda Prisons Service also anticipates a positive impact, suggesting that effective mediation could prevent unnecessary imprisonment by resolving conflicts early.
The Assistant RDC for Mityana District, Chrysostom Buyondo Waswa, commended Reconciliation Trust International for promoting grassroots access to justice. He stated that the program aligns with government efforts to foster peace and justice, providing essential conflict resolution skills to communities.
Religious leaders offered their support, with Pastor Johnstone Makumbi of Mityana Miracle Centre encouraging the graduates to use their new abilities to promote reconciliation and harmony. The newly certified mediators expressed confidence in their enhanced skills and pledged to apply them responsibly, aspiring to improve access to justice and peaceful coexistence in their communities.