KAMPALA– The Rules Committee, chaired by the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, who represented the Chief Justice, convened at the Supreme Court in Kampala to review two major draft frameworks: the Judicature (Court Fees) Rules, 2025 and the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2025.
Justice Dr. Zeija urged members to provide constructive input to ensure that the final documents meet the needs of court users while simplifying the work of judicial officers.
On the Court Fees Rules, the Committee noted that the current fees, last comprehensively reviewed during the 2021 Rules and Law Reform Committees retreat in Chobe, are outdated. Inflation
And rising administrative costs have rendered them impractical, with collections falling short of the expenses involved in their management. The proposed revision seeks to align fees with prevailing economic conditions, enhance government revenue, and facilitate integration with the Judiciary’s Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).
The members agreed that the framework should be simple and user-friendly for both the public and court staff. They also emphasized that related laws should be referenced by cross-referencing rather than repeating provisions in full. It was resolved that criminal cases should remain free of court fees, though there was a proposal to introduce a fee for bail applications.
A further proposal to exempt government agencies from paying fees was rejected on grounds that such bodies already budget for these costs and an exemption could create legal and financial inconsistencies.
Turning to the Mediation Rules, the Committee reviewed the draft developed by a technical team following recommendations from the March 2025 retreat. The new Rules aim to strengthen Mediation as a tool for dispute resolution by placing it under the existing Case Management Committee instead of creating a new structure. They introduce clearer procedures for accrediting, registering, and training mediators, as well as new options for private and affiliate mediation to give parties greater flexibility.
Members welcomed the inclusion of a code of conduct and standardized forms to improve record-keeping. They agreed that mediators should undergo at least forty hours of training, though traditional and religious leaders with proven experience may qualify through shorter approved programmes. To accommodate community mediators, the Rules also recognize training offered by professional development institutions in addition to formally recognized bodies.
The Committeee proposed that complaints against mediators should be lodged with the Chief Registrar rather than the Case Management Committee, which is too large and infrequently convened. They agreed that mediation subcommittees should continue to function under the CaseManagement Committee to avoid duplication of roles. It was resolved that filing of mediation summaries should be optional and left to the discretion of the mediator, since some cases rely more on dialogue than written documents.
They emphasized that sanctions for non-cooperation in mediation should remain administrative, such as fines or cost orders, rather than criminal. Mediators are to enjoy qualified immunity for actions taken in good faith, and a twelve-month transition period will be provided for re-accreditation under the new rules.
The Committeee also discussed recognition and enforcement of settlements. While some members preferred a time limit for setting aside mediated agreements to prevent abuse. Others argued that courts should retain discretion to handle exceptional cases. It was agreed to leave this provision open to judicial interpretation.
In closing, the Deputy Chief Justice commended members for their detailed contributions and noted that their recommendations will be incorporated into the drafts before they are submitted to the Attorney General for further review.
