Ezrah Kashumbusha.
KAMPALA, February 20, 2024 | In a significant development, the Court of Appeal has successfully resolved a complex land case involving the Estate of the late Anselm Semakula Musoke, amounting to a staggering 3.2 billion Ugandan Shillings.
Presiding over the case, Deputy Chief Justice Richard Butera reflected on the intricacies involved and opted for mediation to facilitate an amicable resolution among the parties. Through skillful mediation and a commitment to fostering harmony, an agreement was reached, marking a milestone in the legal proceedings.
Deputy Chief Justice Butera underscored the efficiency of mediation in resolving disputes, highlighting the court’s commitment to utilizing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. He noted that in the previous year alone, the Court of Appeal successfully conducted 60 mediations, resulting in 32 appeals being resolved without the need for further escalation to the Supreme Court. This approach not only saves time and costs but also prevents undue strain on the judicial system.
Dr. Alex Karocho, Judiciary Deputy Registrar, commended the advocates involved for their patience and adeptness in guiding the parties through the mediation process. Their skills in listening and facilitating dialogue played a crucial role in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement.
Paul Muhimbura, representing the appellant, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the mediation process, lauding the efforts of Deputy Chief Justice Butera in ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for resolution.
Similarly, Albert Collins Kyeyune, advocate for the respondent, emphasized the importance of a mediator’s mindset in effectively navigating and resolving complex cases through mediation.
This resolution comes on the heels of a previous ruling by the Land Division of the High Court in 2022, which ordered the cancellation of five certificates of title issued on land in Gayaza district, spanning 45 acres. The case, initiated by plaintiffs Anna Nabatanzi Lule and brothers Mike Kasule and Kirinya, centered on fraudulent transactions involving the deceased’s land.
