Makerere, Kampala- The Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, has emphasized the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in easing the burden of prolonged court cases and improving access to justice in Uganda.
She noted that lengthy litigation places a heavy financial strain on litigants, who must bear the costs of legal fees, transportation, and the time spent attending court sessions. According to her, these challenges often make justice inaccessible to many citizens.
Beyond the impact on individuals, the Principal Judge explained that unresolved commercial disputes can also slow down economic growth by discouraging both local and foreign investment.
“A strong ADR system signals that Uganda is open for business,” she said. “It assures investors that disputes will be resolved quickly, fairly, and efficiently.”
Justice Abodo further outlined the various ADR mechanisms currently used within Uganda’s justice system. These include arbitration, a private and binding process governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act; mediation, where a neutral mediator facilitates dialogue between disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable solution; and reconciliation, which is recognized under Article 126 of the Constitution and encourages amicable settlement of disputes.
She reiterated that strengthening ADR mechanisms can help decongest courts, reduce case backlog, and promote faster, more accessible justice for all.
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