Lango, Acholi leaders urged to embrace alternative justice system to resolve disputes

6 May 2026, 11:30 pm

By Winnie Auma

Leaders in the Lango and Acholi sub-regions have been urged to embrace the Alternative Justice System as a means of resolving disputes within their communities.

The call was made by the Principal Judge of Uganda, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, during a judiciary-led training aimed at equipping church and cultural leaders with skills to handle community-based conflicts outside the formal court system.

Justice Abodo said the initiative is intended to reduce the growing backlog of cases in courts, particularly disputes that can be effectively resolved at community level through dialogue and mediation. She emphasised the need for proper documentation of all cases handled by cultural leaders, including those later referred to court, to ensure accountability and ease of follow-up.

She expressed confidence that the Lango sub-region is well positioned to successfully implement the system, noting that communities in the area traditionally value dialogue and consensus in conflict resolution.

Gulu High Court Judge, Justice Phillips Odoki, said the Alternative Justice System has been widely adopted in many countries as it promotes reconciliation, restores relationships, and strengthens social harmony.

The Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune, welcomed the initiative, noting that cultural institutions historically used similar approaches to resolve disputes peacefully.

He observed that taking cases to court often fuels division due to the high costs and lengthy processes involved. However, he cautioned clan leaders to remain impartial and uphold the laws of Uganda when handling cases, in order to maintain trust and credibility within the community.

Meanwhile, Bishop Tonny Okot, who is also the clan head of Oguna, called on the judiciary to issue formal recognition or recommendation letters for cases handled under the system, to prevent unnecessary appeals to the courts.