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.
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.
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.