Group Photo: Participants at the Mediation Monitoring and Evaluation exercise in Masaka
On Monday February 14,2022, a team from the Mediation Registry commenced its monitoring and evaluation exercise with the objective of assessing the performance of Mediation in greater Masaka. This involved identification of challenges affecting the implementation of Mediation and sharing of best practices.
The team led by the Assistant Registrar, HW Dr Lubowa Daniel, first visited Masaka High Court where they met with different stakeholders including Judges, Magistrates, advocates, legal aid service providers as well as mediators.
The Head of Masaka Circuit, Hon. Lady Justice Katamba Victoria Nakintu Nkwanga, urged lawyers to embrace Mediation since it promotes peace and amicable settlement of disputes.
"There are times when I am writing judgements and I wonder why people waste time in litigation when Mediation is there," she said.
The Judge encouraged judicial officers to refer cases to Mediation due to its benefits including reducing on their case backlog.
Hon. Justice Lawrence Tweyanze stated that he was available to mediating cases referred to him. "As an international mediator, feel free to refer cases to me," he said. Adding that "this is where you can finish a case of 15 years within20 minutes because it's a matter of discussion."
Ms Nansubuga Margret, an advocate and Mediator, noted that some lawyers frustrate the initiative deliberately for their own benefit, and sought that more mediators ought to be trained and accredited.
Magistrates present at the meet called for increased public sensitization and enhanced funding for registry. They equally stressed the need to provide for office space and locus visits for Mediators saying this would help improve their efficacy and reliability when writing Mediation agreements.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Registrar Masaka High Court, HW Borore Julius, and moderated by the Chief Magistrate, HW Nvanungi Slyvia.
Other Judicial Officers present from the Masaka Chief magisterial area were HW NantegeChristine, HW Basajabalaba Jalia, HW Asiku Swaleh, HW Moreen Nyakato, HW Subira Pheona Nasasira Bridget, HW Ahumuza Peter, HW Twongyeirwe Joshua, HW Natembo Aisha and HW Namudiba Sandra.
Posted 14th, February 2022
