ESS Hosts Young Accredited Mediator for Capacity Building and Mentorship

On 6th February 2026, ESS Creative and Legal Foundation hosted a capacity building and mentorship visit by Godliving John Mambo, a young accredited mediator, as part of our continued commitment to strengthening community based alternative dispute resolution.

During the visit, Godliving met with Erick Mukiza, an accredited mediator, ADR policy expert, and the Executive Director of ESS, at our offices. The engagement provided an opportunity for practical learning and professional mentorship rooted in real mediation experience.

Through guided discussions and practical exposure, Godliving learned how mediation is conducted in practice. This included a clear understanding of the structure of mediation sessions and the specific activities carried out during separate sessions and joint sessions. The mentorship highlighted how each stage of mediation is designed to encourage open communication, trust, and voluntary settlement of disputes.

A strong focus was also placed on mediation ethics. Godliving learned the importance of confidentiality, neutrality, and independence in the mediation process. He was guided on the principle that a mediator must not act as a legal adviser to any party to a dispute and must remain impartial at all times.

Another key lesson was the fundamental purpose of mediation. Godliving learned that mediation focuses on the interests and underlying needs of the parties rather than their legal rights. He was guided to understand that questions of rights are addressed by the judiciary, while mediation provides a space for parties to collaboratively resolve their issues in a constructive and non-adversarial manner.

Inspired by the learning experience and by the ADR Stakeholders’ Recognition Award that Erick Mukiza received in 2024 and 2025, Godliving reflected on the depth and impact of effective mediation practice. He shared that he had not previously been aware of many of these essential elements of a successful mediation session.

Motivated to grow further, Godliving requested to join the ESS Creative and Legal Foundation team in order to deepen his skills in community mediation. ESS Creative and Legal Foundation has since included him in its network of peacemakers, where he will continue to receive mentorship, resources, and collaborative support, including engagement with the High Court Mediation Center.

ESS remains committed to nurturing young mediators and building a strong, ethical, and skilled community of peacemakers dedicated to promoting dialogue, access to justice, and sustainable dispute resolution.