Uganda: Bugisu Leadership Dispute Ends As Rival Factions Reach Court-Mediated Settlement

A long-running leadership dispute within the Bugisu cultural institution has come to an end after rival factions reached a court-mediated settlement, clearing the way for a legally binding consent judgment that resolves eight civil suits challenging the leadership of Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma.

The breakthrough followed two days of intensive mediation at the High Court in Mbale, led by Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus Richard Butera.

The mediation panel also comprised Solicitor General Emeritus Francis Atoke, Uganda Law Society President Emeritus Francis Gimara, and the Head of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Prof. Andrew Khaukha.

The settlement, signed by all parties, will become legally enforceable once adopted by the court as a consent judgment.

While presenting the draft consent judgment, Prof. Khaukha explained that the agreement would become binding on all parties once endorsed by the court.