Judiciary Launches Two-Week Mediation Drive for Commercial Cases

The Ugandan Judiciary is set to embark on a concentrated two-week mediation drive aimed at tackling a significant backlog of commercial disputes. From August 17 to August 28, the Commercial Division of the High Court will focus on mediating 520 cases involving trade, construction, and corporate matters.

This initiative is designed not only to expedite the resolution of these cases but also to release an estimated Shs325 billion that is currently held up in prolonged litigation. According to Judiciary figures, there are currently 1,424 cases of this nature pending, highlighting the pressing need for efficient dispute resolution mechanisms.

The drive will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including judges, legal practitioners, professional mediators, and prominent business leaders. The overarching goal is to foster a greater adoption of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, enabling businesses to recover capital and maintain operational liquidity.

Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna emphasized the urgency of timely commercial dispute resolution, stating, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” He pledged the Executive’s full cooperation with the Judiciary to ensure swift decisions, noting that delays can be particularly detrimental to small enterprises lacking the resilience for protracted legal battles.

Justice Andrew Khaukha of the Judicial Training Institute underscored the vital role traders play in Uganda’s economy, noting that approximately 35% of revenue collected by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) originates from trade. “Traders are key enablers and drivers of this economy,” he stated.

Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe highlighted that an efficient commercial justice system is crucial for Uganda’s economic development. He pointed to ADR, including mediation, as a key strategy for reducing case backlogs and stimulating economic activity by making justice faster and more accessible for businesses.

Justice Anna Mugenyi, head of the Commercial Division, confirmed that while the court has 7,480 pending cases overall, a significant portion relates to the categories targeted by this mediation effort. She stressed the necessity of increased reliance on mediation and other ADR methods to prevent unnecessary delays in case finalization.

Representatives from the business community, such as Issa Ssekito representing downtown traders, also called for expedited hearings, particularly for landlord-tenant disputes, which frequently disrupt business operations. This mediation drive represents a crucial step in enhancing the responsiveness and effectiveness of the commercial justice system in Uganda.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)