ESS Legal Foundation

10/02/2026

On 2nd February 2026, Erick Mukiza, Executive Director of ESS Creative and Legal Foundation, participated in an international ADR training organized by the 3VB International Advisory and Dispute Resolution Unit.

The session focused on dispute resolution in the energy, infrastructure, and water sectors, as well as public international law, and was facilitated by experienced ADR practitioners Dr. Jane Davies Evans KC, Dr. Christopher Ward SC, and Madeline Kimei FCIArb, FTIArb.

This engagement strengthens ESS’s collaboration with international ADR practitioners and institutions and reinforces our commitment to global best practices in alternative dispute resolution.

https://www.esscreativeandlegalfoundation.org/blog/our-news-2/ess-executive-director-participates-in-international-adr-training-on-energy-infrastructure-and-water-disputes-46

10/02/2026

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

During the visit, he engaged with Erick Mukiza, Accredited Mediator, ADR Policy Expert, and Executive Director of ESS, gaining practical insight into mediation sessions, mediation ethics, and the core principle of focusing on parties’ interests rather than rights.

Inspired by the learning experience and by the ADR Stakeholders’ Recognition Awards received by Erick Mukiza in 2024 and 2025, Godliving requested to join ESS to further develop his skills in community mediation. We are pleased to welcome him into our network of peacemakers for continued mentorship and collaboration.

https://www.esscreativeandlegalfoundation.org/blog/our-news-2/ess-hosts-young-accredited-mediator-for-capacity-building-and-mentorship-45

03/02/2026

Justice Delayed Slows National Development

On 2nd February 2026, during the Closing Ceremony of LAW Week 2026 and the opening of the Judiciary Year, the Judiciary of Tanzania highlighted its vital role in national development under the theme “Contribution of the Judiciary in the Welfare and Development of the Nation.”

Through the implementation of Article 107(2)(d) of the Constitution, the Judiciary continues to promote amicable dispute resolution, with mediation playing a central role. Mediation is not only about resolving disputes—it supports social harmony, saves time and costs for citizens, and contributes directly to economic growth in line with National Vision 2050.

Strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a key pillar of the Judiciary’s strategy to reduce case backlogs and allow citizens to focus on productive and developmental activities. Evidence already shows impact, with confirmed reductions in cases by the Judge in Charge of the High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Registry, Hon. Salma Maghimbi, and the Ilala District Commissioner, Hon. Edward Mpogolo.

ESS Creative and Legal Foundation is honored to collaborate as an ADR stakeholder, working with the Judiciary and media partners such as ITV Tanzania to promote mediation at the community level.

The message is clear: courts resolve cases, mediation resolves disputes.

If you seek timely justice and restored relationships, mediation is the way forward.

https://www.esscreativeandlegalfoundation.org/blog/our-news-2/justice-delayed-slows-national-development-44

21/01/2026

21/01/2026

We are proud to share that Erick Mukiza, Executive Director of ESS Creative & Legal Foundation, has been recognized by the Judiciary of Tanzania at the ADR Stakeholders’ Recognition Award 2025, presented through the High Court Mediation Centre.

This is Erick’s second consecutive recognition, following the 2024 award, affirming his continued contribution to advancing inclusive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Tanzania. His work focuses on expanding access to justice at the community level, particularly for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons and other underserved groups, in collaboration with the Judiciary, the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, and ADR stakeholders.

We also congratulate Ms. Aneth Gerana Isaya, Founder of FUWAVITA and a Member of the ESS Governing Board, who was also recognized for her commitment to social justice and inclusive community empowerment.

This recognition highlights the power of collaborative leadership in strengthening mediation and access to justice for all.

03/12/2025

🌍 ESS Joins FUWAVITA in Celebrating the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On December 2, 2025, FUWAVITA (Tanzania Joy Women Entrepreneurship for the Deaf) marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the bold theme:

“Empower, to Lead & Accomplish.”

To celebrate the day, FUWAVITA organized a Leadership Training Skills Program for Women with Disabilities at Stanbic Bank Tan House, bringing together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and disability inclusion experts.

🤝 ESS Creative and Legal Foundation was honored to contribute.

Our Executive Director, Erick Mukiza—an Accredited Mediator and ADR Policy Expert—was invited as one of the facilitators to train on Inclusive Legal Services, with a focus on:

✔ Inclusive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
✔ Inclusive mediation processes
✔ Rights to reasonable accommodation in the justice system
✔ Tools such as sign language, CART, captioning, braille & accessible formats
✔ Using inclusive mediation to resolve business, family & community disputes

Erick emphasized a core principle that guides our work:

“When mediation becomes inclusive, justice becomes possible.”

💡 Strengthening Leadership Through Legal Empowerment
Participants gained confidence and practical skills to:

Understand protections under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2010 & CRPD

Engage effectively in dispute resolution

Recognize the value of inclusive mediation as a pathway to timely and affordable justice

This session forms part of ESS’s ongoing commitment to advancing inclusive justice and accessible ADR across Tanzania.

🙏 Our Appreciation
We extend heartfelt thanks to FUWAVITA, Mobility International USA (MIUSA), Stanbic Bank, and all partners who made this event impactful. IDPD 2025 reminds us that inclusive leadership thrives when knowledge is accessible and collaboration is strong.

At ESS, we remain committed to identifying, empowering, and including women leaders with disabilities in the Tanzanian justice system.

21/10/2025

🌍 Strengthening Collaboration for Inclusive Justice in Tanzania! ⚖️

ESS Creative and Legal Foundation was honored to join the Judiciary of Tanzania and other key partners at the recent CEO Meeting held under the theme “Positioning ADR as the Preferred Mechanism for Resolving Disputes in Tanzania.”

The meeting brought together leaders and institutions committed to promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a faster, more affordable, and inclusive path to justice.

ESS expressed its strong commitment to supporting the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to expand access to mediation for all — including community leaders across the country.

Together, we are working toward a future where mediation becomes the first choice for resolving disputes and strengthening peace in Tanzania. 💪🤝

15/10/2025

🌿 Widow’s 25-Year Land Dispute Finally Resolved Through Inclusive Community Mediation in Kigoma! 🌿

After 25 years of tension, tears, and silence, a land conflict in Ilagara Village, Kamise Ward, Kigoma Region, has finally found peace — not through court battles, but through inclusive community mediation facilitated by ESS Creative and Legal Foundation.

The dispute between widow Monica Karoli Gengana and farm worker Charles Lusyo Bondo had divided families for decades. But on September 19, 2025, thanks to the leadership of Mr. Erick Mukiza, Accredited Mediator and Executive Director of ESS, and the empowered Acting Ward Executive Officer, Ms. Triphonia Emmanuel Kasula, both parties reached an amicable settlement in just one hour.

Under the agreement, Monica’s family will build Charles a three-bedroom house and offer a cash payment, while Charles will return the land to its rightful owners.

This success story shows that mediation works — even in the most complex, long-standing disputes — when communities are empowered and included in the process. 💬🤝

👏 We celebrate Ms. Kasula’s outstanding leadership, the cooperation of the community police, and the restored harmony between both families.

https://www.esscreativeandlegalfoundation.org/blog/our-news-2/widows-25-year-land-dispute-resolved-through-inclusive-community-mediation-in-kigoma-region-38

02/09/2025

🌍 Find, Empower & Include: Building the Next Generation of Mediators 🌍

On August 30–31, our Assistant Mediators and mentees of Founder Erick Mukiza—Adv. Geofrey Beda Simba and Lisaruth Boaz Ackim—joined the “Foundation of Commercial Mediation” training at the Tanzania International Arbitration Center.

This reflects our model: Find passionate mediators, Empower them through training & mentorship, and Include them in our Peacemaker Network. Together, we’re building a sustainable culture of accessible mediation in Tanzania. ✨

https://www.esscreativeandlegalfoundation.org/blog/our-news-2/find-empower-include-building-the-next-generation-of-mediators-in-tanzania-37

02/09/2025

✨ Strengthening Family Dispute Resolution at the Community Level ✨

On August 27–28, the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs brought together government ministries, academic institutions, and ESS Creative and Legal Foundation to explore ways of improving Marriage Conciliation Boards.

Key outcomes included empowering community leaders with mediation skills and fostering cross-institutional collaboration to resolve family conflicts more effectively.

ESS Executive Director Erick Mukiza represented ADR practitioners, highlighting the government’s commitment to practical Public-Private Partnerships in making justice more accessible and family-centered. 💙⚖️

https://www.esscreativeandlegalfoundation.org/blog/our-news-2/ministry-of-constitutional-and-legal-affairs-strengthens-family-disputes-resolution-at-the-community-level-through-cross-institutional-collaboration-36

11/08/2025

https://www.esscreativeandlegalfoundation.org/blog/our-news-2/deaf-leader-mediates-20-disputes-through-inclusive-mediation-empowerment-program-35

In October 2024, the ESS Creative & Legal Foundation collaborated with the High Court Mediation Centre and FUWAVITA to launch an empowerment program on Inclusive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for deaf and hard-of-hearing women leaders in Tanzania. Among the participants was Anneth Gerana, a d...