Day: May 5, 2026

Lira, Uganda | The Judiciary has launched the Alternative Justice System (AJS) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programme in Lango Sub-region, in a major push aimed at decongesting courts, promoting reconciliation, and strengthening culturally grounded justice mechanisms alongside formal legal structures. Lango Paramount Chief HH Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune at the Centre and Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo on Red with Other Members of Judiciary in a Group Photo at Margaritha Palace Hotel. The rollout, held at Margaritha Palace Hotel on Tuesday, brought together judicial officers, cultural leaders, religious leaders, and civil society actors under a coordinated national sensitisation and training programme organised by the Judicial Training Institute in collaboration with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Registry. The training also included the dissemination of the newly issued Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules 2026, S.I No. 14/26, aimed at standardising mediation and strengthening court-annexed dispute resolution processes. Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo who represented Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija said the Judiciary is committed to building a justice system that is affordable, faster, culturally legitimate, restorative, and anchored in constitutional and human rights principles. She explained that land, family, and civil disputes should, where appropriate, first be handled at clan and community level before escalation to formal courts if unresolved. However, she emphasised that traditional justice mechanisms must remain consistent with the Constitution. Lady Justice Abodo welcomed clan and cultural leaders as equal partners in justice delivery, noting that the Judiciary will support them through capacity building, establishment of SGI registries, and improved record-keeping systems. She also urged judicial officers in the Lira High Court Circuit to actively identify cases suitable for community-based resolution and respect outcomes reached through traditional processes, where parties consent. Happening This Month in Gulu City! Senior Resident Judge for Gulu Circuit, Justice Phillip Odoki, explained that AJS is designed to revive Africa’s traditional justice systems that existed before colonial rule and emphasised reconciliation, social cohesion, and swift dispute resolution. He noted that the introduction of the English adversarial system under colonial administration led to delays, high costs, and strained relationships among disputants due to its rigid procedures and reliance on formal court processes. Justice Odoki clarified that AJS operates as a community-based and sometimes faith-based system distinct from formal Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration and may function either independently or through court referrals. He stressed that under Article 126 of the Constitution, courts are required to deliver justice in a manner that promotes reconciliation and reflects the aspirations of the people. Odoki added that cases referred to AJS must meet two key conditions—consent of parties and compliance with constitutional and human rights standards—warning against discrimination or cruel punishments. He further noted that while serious criminal cases may remain within formal courts, reconciliation achieved through AJS may be considered during sentencing. Paramount Chief of Lango, His Highness Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune welcomed the Judiciary’s initiative, describing Lango as a post-conflict society still dealing with trauma and unresolved disputes arising from decades of instability. He said that despite the end of armed conflict, many communities continue to rely on cultural institutions for justice, with only a small percentage of disputes reaching formal courts. Okune explained that forgiveness and reconciliation remain central in Lango’s justice practices, with clan leaders handling land disputes, marriage conflicts, and even serious offences through traditional restorative processes. He, however, cautioned that AJS must not be abused through corruption, land grabbing, or human rights violations, stressing the need to align cultural practices with constitutional standards. Okune also commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for maintaining peace in the region and urged continued government support for cultural justice systems. Bishop Emeritus of West Lango Diocese, Bishop Alfred Acur Okodi, called for a justice approach that prioritises healing, rehabilitation, and restoration rather than punishment alone. He noted that some offenders may require psychological, social, or moral intervention and urged the justice system to create space for transformation and reintegration. Former Solicitor General Emeritus Francis Atoke highlighted the growing shift towards forgiveness and mediation, noting that apology and reconciliation are increasingly central to dispute resolution in both religious and traditional contexts. He cautioned against anger-driven reactions during conflicts and emphasised the importance of preserving relationships through dialogue and forgiveness. Judiciary officials revealed that implementation of AJS will be coordinated through the Chief Registrar, Deputy Chief Registrar, and court leadership structures, with regional committees overseeing district-level rollout. They further noted that at least 175 clan heads in Lango are expected to undergo training and accreditation to strengthen their capacity in handling disputes in line with constitutional standards. The Judiciary added that pilot implementation in Acholi and Lango sub-regions will inform the national rollout of the AJS framework. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus has unanimously resolved to support the Government’s harmonised position on the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, ahead of Parliament’s expected consideration of the controversial legislation this afternoon. The resolution was reached during a special caucus meeting chaired by Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua at the Office of the President Conference Hall on Tuesday morning. NRM Caucus Resolution In the resolution signed by Obua, who also chairs the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, members recognized the need to safeguard Uganda’s sovereignty, national security, constitutional order and socio-economic stability amid what they described as an increasingly complex global and domestic environment. The caucus noted that members are guided by presentations and discussions led by the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Attorney General regarding the Government’s harmonised position on the Bill. The legislators subsequently resolved to support the government position on the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, when it comes before Parliament. Background to the meeting shows that Obua had on May 4 issued an urgent notice summoning all NRM MPs and NRM-leaning independent legislators to a special caucus meeting ahead of Tuesday afternoon’s plenary sitting. In the notice, members were informed that the caucus would convene at the Office of the President at 9:30am before Parliament resumed at 2:00pm to handle business related to the Bill. We are at Your Door Step, Gulu City! Obua also urged all members to attend the meeting physically, underscoring the importance of the government attached to building consensus within the ruling party before the parliamentary debate. The caucus further appreciated the strategic guidance of President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the NRM National Chairman, in shaping the Government’s position on the proposed legislation. The Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 has already sparked intense public debate, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to shield Uganda from external interference and protect national interests, while critics have raised concerns over its possible implications on civil liberties and democratic space. With the ruling party caucus now adopting a common position, attention shifts to Parliament, where legislators are expected to engage in one of the most closely watched debates of the year. Source

Otuke, Uganda | Otuke District Local Government (DLG) has flagged off 45 children to represent the district in the National Kids Athletics Championship in Tororo. The team, which departed on May 4, 2025, comprises athletes in the Under-12 and Under-14 categories, with 24 and 21 participants respectively, including both able-bodied and special needs learners. This marks the largest representation from the Lango sub-region, underscoring Otuke’s growing commitment to talent development, inclusivity, and youth empowerment through sports. The athletes are accompanied by teachers and coaches tasked with ensuring their welfare, discipline, and preparedness throughout the competition. The District Sports Officer, James Obira, commended district leadership for the support extended to the team, expressing confidence in the athletes’ ability to compete favorably at the national level. “We are optimistic that this team will perform well and bring home trophies,” he said. The District Education Officer, Acheng Lucky, also appreciated the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for prudent management of resources, noting that all necessary arrangements have been made to guarantee the safety and well-being of the learners. In his remarks, CAO Lomongin Joseph applauded the Education Department for its initiative and dedication, emphasizing that adequate preparation would translate into strong performance. He urged coaches and officials to prioritize the health and supervision of the children and to promptly report any emergencies. Resident District Commissioner Erick Masiga described the young athletes as future leaders and highlighted the importance of sports as a pathway to opportunity. “Athletics can open doors beyond what many traditional careers offer,” he noted, pledging continued support for sports development in the district. The National Kids Athletics Championship brings together young talents from across the country, offering a platform for competition, exposure, and skill development. Source

Lira, Uganda | Housing Finance Bank and Union Transport Alliance Uganda have intensified efforts to deepen financial inclusion and expand electric mobility in the Lango sub-region through agent banking and financing of electric bikes. The initiatives were highlighted during an Agent Banking Forum held on Monday at Zegans Hotel in Lira City, bringing together existing and prospective banking agents from Lira City and the nine districts of Lango. Daniel Okello, Housing Finance Bank Lira Branch Manager, said the engagement was organised to strengthen agent banking services and extend financial services closer to communities, noting that over 65% of Ugandans remain unbanked. Okello explained that agent banking is helping mothers’ bank school fees, farmers safely save money, and traders conveniently send money for goods and merchandise without travelling long distances to banking halls. He noted that the bank is committed to supporting local businesses, improving livelihoods, and financing a sustainable future through agents whom he described as “fellow bankers.” Okello added that the bank aimed to ensure the entire Lango community accessed banking services by taking financial services closer to the people. He urged agents to reconcile transactions on time, keep accurate transaction records, remain vigilant against fraud and counterfeit money, and maintain secure workplaces amid increasing insecurity. Now Available on Kakebe Shop! Participants were also trained on identifying financial crimes such as fraud, tax evasion, corruption, theft, money laundering, and terrorism financing. The bank advised agents to report suspicious transactions, including unusual deposit patterns, split float purchases, forged documents, and transfers made to wrong numbers. Officials further highlighted services offered through agent banking, including cash deposits and withdrawals, float purchases, NSSF payments, bill payments, school fees payments, and forex services. Agents, however, raised concerns over delayed commissions, unsuccessful float purchases, failed transactions, machine breakdowns, network challenges, and charges incurred during cross-banking transactions. Meanwhile, Vijan Andrew, Regional Commercial Manager for Union Transport Alliance Uganda in the Northern Region, said the organisation had partnered with Housing Finance Bank to finance Spiro electric bikes for riders without requiring full cash payments upfront. Andrew noted that the arrangement also ensured riders obtained comprehensive insurance covering the motorcycle, passenger, and rider. He revealed that applicants seeking electric bikes were subjected to vetting and background checks to minimise loan defaults. Andrew described the partnership as important in promoting green energy and increasing the use of electric bikes across Uganda. He added that Lango remained one of the strongest markets for electric bikes in Northern Uganda. According to Andrew, riders are required to present two guarantors, an LC1 letter, guarantors’ photographs, and national identification documents before accessing the bikes. He noted that the bikes are digitalised and fitted with tracking devices capable of generating transaction IDs and security codes to enhance safety and monitoring. Andrew further disclosed that Union Transport Alliance had opened opportunities for investors interested in spare parts businesses, requiring only a minimum capital of Shs 1 million and a national ID for registration. He said plans are underway to expand battery swap stations across the sub-region, especially in districts such as Amolatar, Otuke, and Alebtong, which currently lack the facilities. Happening This Month in Gulu City! However, Andrew noted that expansion is being affected by inadequate access to three-phase electricity required for safe charging of EV batteries. Source