Former Chief Justice of Uganda,Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has called for increased government funding for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), saying it can transform access to justice across the country.
Speaking at the GUMZO-LA ADR Conference in Kampala, Owiny-Dollo said he hopes to live another 30 years to see ADR fully developed so that communities can resolve disputes through mediation instead of lengthy court battles.
He urged government to increase the judiciary budget to strengthen mediation, community dispute resolution committees, and training of mediators.
Meanwhile, Norbert Mao, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, said the Alternative Justice Systems strategy aims to expand justice beyond courtrooms by recognizing mediation through community, cultural, and religious institutions.
Jane Frances Abodo, the Principal Judge, noted that Uganda’s judiciary had over 190,000 pending cases by December 2025, saying stronger community-based dispute resolution could reduce the heavy court backlog.
BACK LOG:Uganda’s Judiciary Had Over 190,000 Pending Cases By December 2025,says Abodo
