Court of Appeal Judge Aggrey Muchelule has urged the Judiciary and legal practitioners to ensure mediation is applied carefully and in a way that protects vulnerable parties.
Speaking at the Mediation Summit 2026, Justice Muchelule said the responsibility of the courts is not just to promote mediation, but to ensure it is used appropriately depending on the nature of each dispute.
He noted that under the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint, the Judiciary has adopted a multi-door approach, recognising that litigation is not always the best option for resolving disputes.
“Since we began the pilot programme in 2016 in the family division, we have seen this modern legal heartbeat transform our landscape,” he said.
Justice Muchelule disclosed that the Court of Appeal has already recorded three successful mediated cases since the rollout of mediation at that level this year.
He added that the Judiciary Steering Committee on Mediation will prioritise training on screening and referral of disputes, including identifying cases that are not suitable for mediation.
