When Anourithe Uwamwiza, a businesswoman, found herself entangled in a Rwf10 million contractual dispute, her initial thought was to take the matter to court. She prepared herself for a potentially lengthy litigation process, ready to follow each step up to the appeal if necessary. However, a conversation with a friend changed her perspective entirely. Uwamwiza's friend suggested she consider mediation instead of litigation, arguing that the process could save her time and money while maintaining her business relationships. Mediation was a foreign concept to Uwamwiza, but with her friend's encouragement, she decided to try it. ALSO READ: Over 4,000 cases resolved through mediation in five years “It turned out to be a game-changer,” she said. Not only did mediation save her substantial legal costs and months of back-and-forth in court, but it also led to an amicable agreement, with the other party agreing to pay the outstanding amount in installments. The payment was completed in March this year. Uwamwiza's experience echoes the sentiments of Jean-Népomuscène Vunabandi, a businessman who also plays a mediator's role in disputes in Kayonza District. Vunabandi, who has mediated around 15 commercial disputes between businesspeople, emphasized how mediation prevents conflicts from escalating to court, allowing business partners to resolve issues amicably and continue their activities without interference. ALSO READ: Judicial experts highlight need for law formalising mediation “I’m not a professional mediator,” Vunabandi noted, “but I have seen firsthand how mediation can transform conflicts into understanding.” Mediation as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism has become a topical subject in Rwanda's judicial system in recent years as the stakeholders have sought to mainstream restorative, rather than punitive, justice. The role of mediation in resolving commercial disputes was at the heart of discussions during the first-ever Employer’s Mediation Forum, held on May 15 under the theme “Enhancing Mediation: A Tool to Settle Disputes in the Private Sector.” Organized by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in partnership with the Supreme Court, the event attracted over 200 participants eager to understand how ADR mechanisms, specifically mediation, can serve as effective solutions to business disputes. ALSO READ: Why govt’s upcoming alternative dispute resolution centre matters Jeanne-Françoise Mubiligi, the Chairperson of PSF, emphasized that the forum was aligned with the federation’s mission to promote justice, reconciliation, and peaceful conflict resolution within the private sector. “We are very grateful to the Supreme Court for its cooperation and commitment to promoting mediation as a fast, cost-effective, and sustainable means of resolving disputes in the commercial sector,” Mubiligi stated. She added that mediation strengthens business relationships rather than breaking them apart, a crucial factor for sustainable growth and investment security. Mubiligi also highlighted PSF’s commitment to promoting awareness of transparency and supporting initiatives aimed at fostering investment. “We are ready to work with the courts, particularly the Supreme Court, to disseminate this understanding and improve its implementation, she remarked. Judiciary’s commitment to ADR Chief Justice and Supreme Court President Domitille Mukantaganzwa, underscored Rwanda's dedication to ADR, noting that the Judiciary has taken the lead in promoting mediation as a critical tool for delivering justice. She commended the partnership between the Judiciary and the Private Sector, which began with the establishment of the Mediation Advisory Committee, a body that includes representatives from the private sector to advance shared goals of justice, peace, and sustainable development. “Mediation has proven to be fast, inexpensive, and effective in maintaining good relations and trust between parties involved, said Mukantaganzwa. This is why Rwanda has embraced mediation, particularly in the private sector, to ensure financial security in business activities.” Mukantaganzwa noted that in the 2024/2025 Judicial Year, out of 2,398 cases resolved through mediation, 230 were commercial disputes. “This figure indicates that one in ten cases resolved through mediation is commercial,” she noted, urging the businesspeople to prioritize mediation before litigation. She further highlighted the establishment of the ADR Center in Nyamirambo, near the Nyarugenge High Court, as a venue for mediation training and dispute resolution. Mukantaganzwa encouraged business owners to visit the center and participate in its initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful conflict resolution. The Chief Justice commended the PSF for organising the forum and urged the businesspeople to make it an annual event. “This platform allows us to review progress, address challenges, and enhance our collective understanding of mediation,” she said.
