ADR: Over 500 commercial disputes valued at Shs 325bln placed on mediation table
Running from August 17-31, 2026, the activity aimed at delivering justice targets disputes arising from trade, construction and corporate matters
KAMPALA, August 18, 2026 — The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has flagged off the Trade Dispute Settlement Fortnight at the Commercial Court in Kampala, placing 520 disputes valued at approximately Shs 325 billion on the mediation table in a renewed push to unlock capital, preserve business relationships and reduce the commercial case backlog in Ugandan courts.
Running from August 17-31, 2026, the activity aimed at delivering justice targets disputes arising from trade, construction and corporate matters.
At least 26 mediators are participating in the fortnight. Statistics from the Court indicate that the Commercial Division currently has 7,480 pending cases, of which 1,250 relate to trade, 85 to corporations and 89 to construction — the key categories targeted during the mediation fortnight.
Lady Justice Abodo urged judges and registrars to identify suitable cases early and promote mediation while respecting its voluntary nature.
She also called on advocates to give clients realistic advice on settlement and encouraged businesses to consider solutions that preserve commercial relationships and enable parties to move forward.
The Principal Judge urged stakeholders to measure the success of the fortnight by the number of disputes resolved and commercial relationships preserved.
She commended the Commercial Court leadership, judicial officers, mediators, advocates and support staff for advancing the Judiciary’s Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR] agenda.
The Head of the Commercial Court, Justice Anna B. Mugenyi, said the Court would build on lessons from the earlier Banking Dispute Settlement Fortnight, which successfully settled 98 disputes and unlocked approximately Shs 90bln.
The trade dispute initiative is intended to unlock capital tied up in disputes, reduce the case backlog and promote efficient commercial justice.
The Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, commended the Judiciary’s leadership for driving the ADR agenda, noting the importance of resolving commercial disputes given the trade sector’s contribution to Uganda’s economy.
He also emphasised the role of businesspeople in promoting mediation within the trading community.
The flag-off was attended by judges from the Commercial, Criminal and Civil Divisions of the High Court, as well as judicial officers from the lower bench, court staff, mediators, advocates, law students and representatives of the business community.
The participation of judicial officers from different divisions demonstrated the Judiciary’s collaborative approach to promoting ADR and efficient dispute resolution.
The session was moderated by the Deputy Registrar, Commercial Division, Jessica Chemeri.
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