By Johannah Nantongo
Kampala, Uganda
The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry has trained 40 business leaders as mediators and conciliators in a major step toward strengthening alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Uganda’s commercial sector.
The training, conducted through a three-hour “Training of Trainers” session, brought together participants from key industries including oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and aviation. The initiative is supported by UNCCI’s legal advisors, Nabasa Company Advocates, and is part of a broader effort to reduce delays in resolving business disputes.
The training follows the launch of UNCCI’s first Dispute Resolution Centre in December 2025, an initiative officiated by Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The Centre was established to provide efficient alternatives to court litigation, drawing inspiration from global institutions such as the International Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking on the initiative, Fiona Wall, Managing Partner at Nabasa Company Advocates, emphasized the importance of building a pool of skilled mediators:
“Today we confirm that over 40 participants have received certificates of participation. These are the same individuals we will rely on as mediators and conciliators as the Centre becomes fully operational.”
The trained professionals will support the newly established Centre, which aims to reduce dispute resolution timelines from years in court to between 30 and 90 days, helping businesses save time and maintain critical relationships.
UNCCI Secretary General George Inhilo said the training is only the beginning of a nationwide rollout:
“After training these 40 people, our next move is to expand this initiative across the country, equipping more individuals in different districts and city branches.”
He also urged businesses and individuals with ongoing court cases to consider using the Centre to save both time and costs, noting that Uganda’s commercial case backlog currently stands at over 167,000.
The Centre, located at the UNCCI National Secretariat in Kamwokya, is open to all Ugandans, with preferential rates available for Chamber members. Partnerships with institutions such as the Centre for International Arbitration and the IPC Dispute Resolution Centre are expected to ensure credibility and high standards in service delivery.
One of the participants, Richard Ceaser, praised the initiative and pledged support for its success:
“This training equips us to address a real challenge affecting businesses. We are committed to promoting this solution within our sectors and contributing to a stronger business environment.”
All participants received certificates upon completion of the training held at the UNCCI Secretariat in Kamwokya.
The training marks a critical step in building local capacity for alternative dispute resolution, positioning Uganda’s business community to resolve conflicts more efficiently while fostering trust, collaboration, and economic growth.