Dialogue Before Court: 40 Mediators Graduate to Tackle Uganda’s Case Backlog

What the report says

Dokolo Post reported that 40 alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mediators graduated in Lira City on Friday, September 11, 2026, in a program aimed at helping ease Uganda’s court backlog and reduce the time and cost of litigation. The ceremony was held at Pauline Hotel and brought together graduates, local leaders, cultural officials and representatives of Reconciliation Trust International, which organized the training.

According to the report, Dr. Harry Mwebesa, an associate professor and chief executive officer of Reconciliation Trust International, said many disputes could be settled through dialogue before reaching court. He said the organization has trained nearly 900 people across Uganda in ADR, and that some long-running disputes can be resolved quickly when parties agree to negotiate. Bernard Bonn Acuma, identified as the Cohort Two coordinator, said 16 graduates completed a two-month program that included practical exposure to courts and prisons, while 22 of 28 trainees in Cohort Three completed training, bringing the total to 40.

The new mediators are expected to support courts across the sub-region through mediation, negotiation and arbitration. The article said they will handle civil matters such as land conflicts and commercial disputes, while serious criminal cases remain under formal court processes. Officials and community leaders at the event urged wider use of ADR, saying it can promote reconciliation, protect relationships and reduce pressure on the justice system.

Lango cultural officials also called for more specialized training for clan-based mediators known as Itogo, arguing that professional standards, neutrality and impartiality are important if customary and formal dispute-resolution systems are to work effectively together.