Access to justice • Peaceful dispute resolution
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Promoting accessible, timely, fair and collaborative approaches to resolving disputes in Uganda.
Welcome to Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR).
The Centre for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (CADR) is a department within the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs established under section 67 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Cap. 5, as amended by the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2024.
who we are
CADR’s departmental structure was approved by the Public Service Commission in 2025. The Centre is operational, with staff, systems and procedures in place to receive and process applications relating to the appointment of ADR practitioners and experts.
Our Vision
To be a centre of excellence in arbitration, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution, positioning Uganda as a trusted, accessible and competitive destination for domestic and international dispute resolution.
Our Mission
To support the effective use of arbitration, conciliation, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in Uganda through professional standards, institutional and technical support, capacity building, innovation and strategic partnerships.
Our Mandate
To carry out the functions assigned to the Centre under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act and to support the effective operation of arbitration, conciliation and other alternative dispute resolution processes in Uganda.
Our Functions
CADR's mandate is to carry out the functions assigned to the Centre under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act and to support the effective operation of arbitration, conciliation and other alternative dispute resolution processes in Uganda. In fulfilling this mandate, the Centre provides institutional and technical support, promotes professional standards and capacity within the ADR sector, and facilitates the appropriate use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Statutory appointment and related functions
Performing the functions assigned to the Centre under sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 51 of the Act, including functions relating to the appointment of arbitrators and conciliators and related matters concerning their appointment and mandate.
Register of ADR practitioners and experts
Establishing and maintaining a comprehensive register of competent and qualified arbitrators, conciliators and experts to support transparent and appropriate appointments.
Rules, procedures and forms
Developing appropriate rules, administrative procedures and forms to support the effective conduct of arbitration, conciliation and other alternative dispute resolution processes.
Qualifying and accrediting arbitrators, conciliators and experts, and establishing appropriate qualifications for institutions, bodies and persons eligible for appointment.
Training and promotion of ADR
Providing skills development and training and promoting the use of alternative dispute resolution methods among practitioners, institutions and other stakeholders.
Administrative and technical support
Providing administrative and technical services in aid of arbitration, conciliation and other alternative dispute resolution processes.
Our Strategic Priorities
Strengthening Professional Capacity
Developing a competent and ethical community of ADR practitioners through training, accreditation, continuous professional development and collaboration with local, regional and international institutions.
Promoting Commercial and Investment Arbitration
Supporting a reliable and professional dispute resolution environment that responds to the needs of businesses, investors, public institutions and other commercial actors, including through specialised training and professional standards.
Improving Access to Justice
Promoting appropriate alternatives to litigation that offer parties flexibility, opportunities for negotiated settlement and procedures suited to the nature of their disputes, while complementing the formal justice system.
Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
Strengthening collaboration with government institutions, the Judiciary, professional associations, academic institutions, the private sector, development partners and regional and international ADR organisations.
Public Awareness and Outreach
Increasing public and institutional awareness of ADR and encouraging its appropriate use in resolving disputes across different sectors.
CADR's Contribution to Uganda's Justice System
CADR contributes to strengthening Uganda’s dispute resolution framework by supporting the professional administration of arbitration, conciliation and other appropriate ADR mechanisms.
Through institutional strengthening, professional development, public awareness and stakeholder collaboration, the Centre seeks to promote confidence in alternative dispute resolution and support the effective resolution of disputes arising in personal, commercial, investment and public-sector contexts.