On 9 April 2026, ESS Creative and Legal Foundation joined key stakeholders at the official launch of ADR Week 2026, a landmark moment for the justice sector in Tanzania. This marks the first-ever ADR Week in the country, scheduled to run from 13 April to 17 April 2026, bringing national attention to the role of mediation and other dispute resolution mechanisms.
The event convened institutions from across the justice ecosystem, including the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, local government representatives, legal professionals, financial institutions, and religious leaders. It reflected a growing national commitment to strengthening accessible and efficient dispute resolution systems.
Our Executive Director, Erick Mukiza, an accredited mediator, served as a panelist where he shared practical experiences and best practices on mediation at the community level. The panel included representatives from the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, local chiefs, Tanganyika Law Society, the Bank of Tanzania, President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), ESS Creative and Legal Foundation, and religious leaders.
Key Note Speakers Panelist
During his contribution, Erick Mukiza highlighted several priority areas for strengthening mediation practice. He emphasized the importance of ensuring inclusion of persons with disabilities in mediation processes. He also proposed reframing ADR from “Alternative Dispute Resolution” to “Appropriate Dispute Resolution,” to reflect its role as a primary and suitable method for resolving disputes. He further stressed the need for joint public education programs to increase awareness of mediation, focusing on how it works, its benefits, and where services can be accessed. In addition, he called for joint training initiatives for both court annexed mediators and private mediators to address knowledge gaps and promote consistent professional standards.
The guest of honor, Chief Justice Honourable George Mcheche Masaju in his keynote speech supported the proposal to redefine ADR as “Appropriate Dispute Resolution,” recognizing the need to position mediation as a primary method of resolving disputes before going to court.
The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Hon. Zainab Athuman Katimba, stated that the government fully supports the Judiciary and ADR stakeholders in the implementation of ADR Week and other ADR initiatives across the country.
In recognition of ESS Creative and Legal Foundation’s contribution to the preparation of this historic first ADR Week, Erick Mukiza received an award from the Honourable Chief Justice on behalf of the institution. This acknowledgment reflects the institution’s continued efforts in promoting inclusive mediation awareness, capacity building, and collaboration among stakeholders.
ESS Creative and Legal Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance inclusive, accessible, and high quality mediation services in Tanzania.
The Chief Justice, Hon. George Mcheche Masaju, together with the Judge in Charge of the High Court Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma, present an award to Erick Mukiza, ESS's Executive Director & Accredited Mediator
Standing are the keynote speakers and panelists. Seated from left to right are the Judge in Charge of the High Court, Dar es Salaam, Hon. Salma Maghimbi; the Judge in Charge of the High Court Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma; the Chief Justice, Hon. George Mcheche Masaju; the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Hon. Zainab Athuman Katimba; and a Justice of the Court of Appeal.