New Mediation Centre Launched in Nebbi to Alleviate Court Burdens

Nebbi District has welcomed a new mediation centre, established by Reconciliation Trust International (RTI), to provide an accessible and affordable alternative to traditional court proceedings. The initiative is a direct response to growing public concern over the high costs and lengthy durations associated with seeking justice through the formal court system.

The centre aims to tackle a range of common disputes, including family conflicts, land wrangles, and minor criminal cases, which community leaders note are placing a strain on both households and the judiciary. Residents have expressed that the financial burden of court expenses has impoverished many, with cases often dragging on for years.

Officials state that the Nebbi mediation centre will offer subsidized sessions facilitated by trained mediators, elders, cultural and religious leaders, and legal volunteers. Dr. Harry Mwebesa, CEO of RTI, highlighted the centre as a crucial alternative dispute resolution mechanism designed to restore peace within the community. “We serve as the bridge between inmates, litigants and court to promote harmonious disputes resolution,” Dr. Mwebesa explained.

Cases handled will encompass domestic disputes, inheritance issues, neighbourly disagreements, and minor criminal complaints. The Resident District Commissioner, Robert Abak, lauded the initiative, emphasizing its potential to reduce the backlog of unresolved family conflicts and land disputes that often clog police dockets and courtrooms.

RTI’s West Nile Regional Coordinator, Doreen Berocan, reported that their mediation efforts have already yielded success, mediating 60 cases with a 40% success rate within six months. “We give room to both parties for an open mediation when it fails, we advise both parties to seek court,” Berocan noted, acknowledging that financial constraints often lead individuals to abandon cases.

The launch aligns with the Judiciary’s broader encouragement of mediation as a swifter and more economical path to justice, aiming to reduce caseloads and prevent minor offenses from overwhelming the courts. This new centre represents a significant step towards accessible justice for the residents of Nebbi.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)