Earlier today, the Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, represented by the Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, presided over the inaugural graduation of participants in the Gerontological Alternative Dispute Resolution (GADR) Training at St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University.
The programme, organized by Gerontology Excellence U. Ltd Ministries in partnership with Senior Citizens Alternative Dispute Resolution (SCADREF) and Central Region Older Persons Association (CROPA), equipped senior citizens aged 50+ and retirees with practical skills in mediation, negotiation, reconciliation, and other dispute resolution mechanisms. Justice Khaukha was accompanied by judicial officers from the Judiciary's ADR Registry, including the Deputy Registrar, HW Godfrey Kaweesa, and the Senior Principal Magistrate Grade One, HW Daniel Bwambale, who are supporting the operationalization of ADR initiatives within the Judiciary.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice emphasized the growing importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Uganda's justice system, noting that the National ADR Policy approved by Cabinet in February 2025, mandates government institutions to promote ADR as the preferred mode of dispute resolution. He highlighted that the Judiciary has recently operationalized new mediation frameworks through the Judicature (Court-Annexed Mediation) Rules, S.I. No. 14of 2026, which define the scope of mediation, accreditation and registration of mediators, and their roles and remuneration. He further noted that retired judges, senior government lawyers, and members of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda are being integrated into the pool of accredited mediators after undergoing training at the Judicial Training Institute.
The Chief Justice also pointed to the Judiciary's Alternative Justice Systems Strategy approved in 2023, which seeks to create a pathway for harmonizing formal and informal justice systems. He noted that the Strategy is already being piloted in Acholi and Lango, with plans to implement it nationwide. Drawing from historical context, he observed that Africa's traditional dispute resolution systems, rooted in reconciliation and community participation, were disrupted by the introduction of colonial legal systems, yet remain widely relied upon by communities today.
Referencing the Justice Needs and Satisfaction Report 2024, he observed that only a small proportion of Ugandans seek justice through formal courts, while the majority rely on informal mechanisms such as family mediation, local councils, and community-based approaches. He added that delays in formal court processes continue to contribute to case backlog, prolonged pre-trial detention, and reduced public confidence in the justice system.
He described ADR and Alternative Justice Systems as a game changer, noting that they are cost-effective, efficient, and promote reconciliation and social harmony. He outlined that the Judiciary is promoting approaches such as plea-bargaining, compensation, reconciliation in criminal matters, diversion for juvenile offenders, community service, and restorative justice practices that involve victims and communities in resolving disputes.
In his own remarks, Justice Khaukha highlighted Uganda's leadership in ADR development across Africa, referencing a 2024 meeting of African Chief Justices in Munyonyo which resolved to recognize ADR as "African Dispute Resolution, "reflecting its indigenous roots. He noted that Uganda currently hosts the headquarters of the Forum of Chief Justices of Africa on ADR at the Supreme Court and that initiatives being implemented locally are being observed as models for replication across the continent. He further highlighted the efficiency of ADR, citing recent plea bargaining sessions in which over 966cases were resolved within two weeks, significantly reducing case backlog and saving government resources.
Justice Khaukha also informed the graduands that the Chief Justice will accredit them following further engagement at the Judicial Training Institute, after which they will be deployed to support court-annexed mediation. He emphasized that their work will directly complement the Judiciary's efforts to enhance access to justice. He also handed them copies of the National ADR Policy, February2025.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, the Bishop of Northwest Ankole, Rev Amos Magezi, described the cohort as a diverse group of experienced individuals, including retired academics, religious leaders, civil servants, and community leaders. He noted that the training, which spanned five weekends alongside practical sessions, had equipped them with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on mediation skills, positioning them to remain active and relevant in their communities. He appealed to the government to establish a dedicated fund to support ADR training for senior citizens and called upon religious and community institutions to create platforms through which trained mediators can contribute to dispute resolution at grassroots level.
The Chairman of the GADR Board, Prof. John Patrick Muzaale, noted that the programme was deliberately designed around critical questions on purpose, structure, content, and impact, with a focus on ensuring that the training responds to real societal needs. He emphasized that the Board carefully considered the kind of participants to admit and the expertise required to deliver the training, expressing satisfaction that the inaugural cohort reflects the intended vision. He added that the true measure of success lies in how effectively the graduates will apply their knowledge to resolve disputes and contribute to community harmony.
The Secretary of the GADR Board, Mr. Philip Ntege Buganda, expressed appreciation to the Chief Justice for endorsing the programme, noting that his representation signified confidence in the quality and relevance of the training. He highlighted that the initiative is aimed at restoring the relevance of senior citizens by equipping them with practical skills to serve as mediators and peace builders within their communities. He underscored the importance of intergenerational engagement, noting that the programme brings together experience and emerging knowledge to strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms. He introduced the graduands and encouraged them to extend these skills through community fellowships and professional engagements as ambassadors of peace, reconciliation, and dialogue.
The inaugural GADR graduation marks a significant step in expanding the pool of community-based mediators, integrating senior citizens into justice delivery, and advancing a people-centered approach to justice that emphasizes reconciliation, accessibility, and social harmony.
Posted 18th, April 2026
