The Principal Judge of Uganda, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has identified case backlog as a major obstacle to justice, saying delayed land cases contribute to economic stagnation, family conflict, and declining public trust in the Judiciary.
To tackle the challenge, she is promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, as a faster and more practical way of settling land disputes. She has also directed judicial officers to prioritize long-pending cases and remove inactive files that distort court records and slow case management.
Lady Justice Abodo says mediation allows parties to resolve disputes within 60 days, reducing legal costs while preserving family and community relationships. Unlike lengthy court battles, mediated settlements are legally enforceable and provide quicker, mutually beneficial solutions.
She has also called on lawyers to encourage clients to embrace mediation instead of prolonged litigation, emphasizing that timely justice is essential for social harmony, economic growth, and restoring public confidence in Uganda’s justice system.
