When it comes to addressing violence against children (VAC) and gender-based violence (GBV), sometimes the best solutions don’t come from a courtroom—they come from communities. That’s where community mediation steps in, offering a faster, less intimidating, and more personal way to resolve conflicts.

MUCOBADI has embraced mediation as a key part of its work, and the results are impressive. In 2024, MUCOBADI-supported District Action Centers (DACs) handled 1,709 cases, resolving 71% of them through mediation, litigation, and other dispute resolution methods. This shows just how powerful mediation can be in creating safer communities.

What Is Community Mediation?

Community mediation is a way to bring people in conflict together to find solutions that work for everyone. It’s voluntary, informal, and led by a neutral person who helps guide the conversation. Instead of escalating problems, mediation focuses on finding common ground.

It’s especially useful in cases like:

• Family neglect or disputes
• Land disagreements
• Emotional or physical abuse
• Situations where criminal prosecution isn’t the best or only option

Why Mediation Works

Mediation is becoming a go-to solution for tackling VAC and GBV in communities. Here’s why:

1. It’s Quick and Accessible
   Unlike court cases that can drag on for months, mediation is usually faster and less complicated. This is a big deal for survivors who need immediate help and closure.
2. It Rebuilds Relationships
   Mediation isn’t just about solving the problem—it’s about mending relationships. Whether it’s a family dispute or a community conflict, mediation helps people move forward in a positive way.
3. It’s Survivor-Friendly
   For survivors of VAC or GBV, courtrooms can feel intimidating and public. Mediation, on the other hand, offers a private, supportive space where their voices are heard and respected.
4. It Focuses on Real Solutions
   Mediation is practical. It doesn’t just punish—it creates plans to address the root of the problem, like financial support for children or agreements to improve behavior.
5. It Lightens the Load on Courts
   By resolving disputes that don’t require legal action, mediation allows courts to focus on more serious cases, like defilement or assault.

How MUCOBADI Is Using Mediation

MUCOBADI works closely with DACs to make mediation a practical and accessible option for resolving VAC and GBV cases. Here’s how we’re making it happen:

1. Training Local Mediators

We train local leaders, teachers, and social workers to become mediators. These are people who understand their communities and can handle sensitive cases with care and fairness.

2. Setting Up Safe Spaces

Our DACs provide neutral, safe spaces for mediation sessions. These centers are designed to make everyone involved feel comfortable and respected.

3. Offering More Than Mediation

Sometimes mediation isn’t enough. That’s why MUCOBADI combines it with other services. Survivors are referred to counseling, legal aid, or medical support when needed, ensuring their emotional and physical well-being are addressed.

4. Encouraging Community Involvement

Mediation works best when the whole community is involved. MUCOBADI engages elders, religious leaders, and other influencers to help create solutions that stick. When everyone plays their part, the outcomes are more sustainable.

Real Results: What the Numbers Show

Out of the 1,709 cases MUCOBADI-supported DACs handled this year, 71% (1,205 cases) were resolved through mediation and similar approaches. These include family neglect cases, land disputes, and cases of emotional and physical abuse.

This success highlights how effective mediation can be when combined with community trust and the right resources.

How Mediation Changes Lives

Behind the statistics are real stories of people who’ve found peace and solutions through mediation. For example:

A single mother in one of MUCOBADI’s supported districts was struggling after being abandoned by her partner, who had stopped providing for their children. Through mediation, the DAC brought both parents together to work out a solution. The father agreed to provide financial support regularly, and the children could stay in school.

This outcome didn’t just solve a financial issue—it restored the children’s sense of stability and showed them that conflicts can be resolved peacefully.

The Challenges We Face

While mediation is a powerful tool, it’s not without its hurdles:

• Breaking Old Habits: Some people are resistant to change, especially in deeply ingrained conflicts.
• Limited Resources: Not all areas have enough trained mediators or spaces for mediation sessions.
• Cases That Require Legal Action: Serious crimes, like defilement or assault, must go through the courts, which can be slower and less personal.

What’s Next for MUCOBADI?

MUCOBADI is committed to making mediation an even bigger part of the fight against VAC and GBV. Here’s what’s in store:

• Expanding training for more mediators in underserved areas.
• Strengthening DACs with better facilities and resources for mediation.
• Continuing to connect mediation with other services like counseling, education, and legal aid.
• Advocating for more recognition of mediation as a vital part of conflict resolution in Uganda.

Why Mediation Matters

Mediation isn’t just about resolving conflicts—it’s about restoring dignity, building trust, and helping survivors move forward. By focusing on understanding and collaboration, it provides a real chance for communities to heal and grow stronger.

For MUCOBADI, mediation is a way to bring people together and create lasting change. The 71% resolution rate proves that this approach works, and with continued support, it can transform even more lives.

The fight against VAC and GBV is far from over, but every resolved case is a step in the right direction. By working with communities, empowering survivors, and promoting peaceful solutions, MUCOBADI is helping to build a safer future for everyone.