The Supreme Court in Kampala has resolved a long-running land dispute through appellate mediation, bringing to an end litigation that had progressed through the lower courts before reaching the apex court.
The mediation was conducted by Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, a Justice of the Supreme Court, under Mediation Cause No. 5 of 2026, arising from Civil Appeal No. 27 of 2025. It marked her first mediation session at the Supreme Court.
Under the settlement agreement, the appellant agreed to pay the respondent UGX170 million, inclusive of UGX15 million in legal costs incurred during the appeal and proceedings before the lower courts. In return, the respondent agreed to transfer to the appellant the disputed piece of land measuring 50 feet by 100 feet.
The settlement not only resolved the appeal before the Supreme Court but also brought to an end other matters arising from the same dispute that had remained pending before the lower courts.
Lady Justice Bamugemereire congratulated the parties and their lawyers upon reaching an amicable settlement, observing that patience and forgiveness had played an important role in bringing the dispute to a peaceful conclusion.
She underscored the need to promote a culture of peaceful, friendly and reconciliatory dispute resolution, reaffirming the Supreme Court’s readiness to conduct appellate mediation. She encouraged the parties and their lawyers to promote the mechanism among other court users, noting that wider use of mediation could contribute to a more peaceful society.
The lawyers welcomed the settlement and thanked the mediator for guiding the parties towards an agreement. They described appellate mediation as a fast and effective avenue that provides litigants with relief and finality.
The appellant and respondent also welcomed the outcome, describing it as a win-win settlement. They thanked HW Alex Mushabe, Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Justice, for facilitating the pre-mediation meetings that prepared them for the mediation session.
HW Mushabe and three clerkship students attended the session, with the students gaining practical exposure to the mediation process.
Posted 21st, September 2026
