High Court Family Division Targets 100 Settlements During November Mediation Fortnight

What the report says

Uganda’s High Court Family Division has set aside 500 pending family-related cases for mediation during a two-week exercise running from November 2 to 13, 2026, with a goal of securing at least 100 settlements. According to Nile Post, the Judiciary says the initiative is meant to reduce court backlogs while helping families resolve disputes in ways that preserve relationships.

The programme is being held under the theme “Give Mediation a Chance.” Deputy Registrar of the Family Division, HW Komugisa Juliet, said on Salam TV’s Judiciary programme that mediation gives parties a structured chance to settle disputes without going through lengthy hearings. She said family cases often affect more than legal rights, with consequences for children, relationships and wider wellbeing.

The selected files include divorce matters, administration causes involving caveats and other family disputes. Nile Post reported that 15 court-accredited mediators, including retired justices and judges, will handle the sessions. The Judiciary is encouraging people with pending cases to try mediation, including those whose earlier attempts were unsuccessful.

More broadly, the exercise fits into the Judiciary’s wider use of alternative dispute resolution to ease pressure on courts and promote reconciliation. In general, mediation is often used in family matters because it can be faster and less costly than a full trial, while allowing the parties greater control over the outcome.