By The Family Division of the High Court has pledged to intensify the use of mediation as a primary tool to reduce the growing backlog of family-related cases and improve access to justice. This commitment was reaffirmed during a Stakeholders’ and Court Users’ Meeting chaired by Justice John Eudes Keitirima, the Head of the Division. The engagement brought together judges, registrars, mediators, and lawyers to assess progress in case management and strengthen collaboration across the justice chain.
Justice Keitirima said mediation remains the most effective way to resolve disputes without lengthy litigation, revealing that the Division currently has 16 accredited mediators attached to it.
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“If we fully embrace mediation, we should be able to resolve up to 70 percent of our caseload,” he said, noting that the Division has institutionalized quarterly Mediation Fortnights to promote quicker and amicable settlements.
He encouraged lawyers to guide their clients on inheritance and succession matters to prevent unnecessary court battles, which often arise from unresolved family disputes.
Justice Keitirima also acknowledged delays in judgments and rulings but assured continuous reforms to enhance efficiency.
“We may not always get it right, but these engagements allow us to receive feedback and find solutions together,” he said.
He commended Registrar Sarah Tusiime Barungi for her dedicated service to the Division, following her recent promotion, and announced two additional special court sessions this quarter to handle long-pending cases.
Lady Justice Immaculate Busingye, the Deputy Head of Division, dismissed claims of gender bias against male litigants in divorce cases, clarifying that the courts adjudicate fairly for both parties.
“It is not true that female judges favor women. In fact, we often hear complaints from female petitioners that courts are too lenient with men,” she said.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Augustine Nshimye, now a mediator with the Division, applauded the growing acceptance of mediation among advocates, saying it reduces repetition and saves time.
Registrar Barungi cautioned lawyers to ensure proper filing of inventories and documents, stressing that irregularities compromise the integrity of court records.
During the open session, Advocate Paul Mukiibi praised the Division’s progress in reducing backlog but raised concerns about delayed rulings, forced mediation, and the misplacement of vital documents like wills and marriage certificates.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to improve communication, streamline mediation processes, and deliver faster, fairer outcomes in family justice.
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