Chief Justice Launches Alternative Justice Systems Pilot in Acholi and Lango Sub-Regions
The Chief Justice, Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny - Dollo, has officially launched the Alternative Justice System (AJS) pilot programme as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism for the Acholi and Lango sub-regions, reaffirming the Judiciary's commitment to culturally grounded and community-based justice.
The launch took place yesterday during an ADR Registry Support Supervision engagement held at Acholi Inn, bringing together cultural leaders, religious institutions, judicial officers and civil society actors from across the Greater North.
Addressing participants, the Chief Justice described the initiative as a reclamation and revitalisation of Africa's long-standing traditions of resolving disputes, restoring harmony and healing communities.
"Today, we gather here not merely to launch a programme, but to reclaim and revitalize a profound part of our heritage as African people and nations, the ways our ancestors' resolved conflicts, restored harmony and healed communities," he said.
Justice Owiny - Dollo observed that in the African context, ADR should be understood as Africa Dispute Resolution, noting that close to 90 per cent of disputes in African communities are resolved within communities, with only about 10 percent escalated to formal courts. He added that many modern legal doctrines have deep roots in African justice traditions, citing the doctrine of repugnancy as an example of an indigenous principle that pre-dated colonial legal systems.
The Chief Justice further noted that the justice needs of communities in Acholi and Lango are not fundamentally different from those in other parts of Uganda, emphasizing that nearly all communities possess long-standing justice mechanisms, often undocumented, that have ensured fairness and justice over generations.
Representing the Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Head of Gulu High Court Circuit, Justice Phillip Odoki, described the launch as a major milestone towards a more accessible, efficient and culturally responsive justice system.
He noted that majority of disputes in Uganda, particularly in rural and post-conflict communities, are resolved outside the formal court system through traditional, faith-based and community-led mechanisms that promote reconciliation and lasting peace.
Justice Odoki highlighted the Acholi justice system, particularly _Mato Oput_, as a powerful example of restorative justice that heals deep wounds, restores broken relationships and rebuilds communities. She added that similar wisdom exists across Uganda's cultural and faith institutions, all of which emphasize dialogue, forgiveness and communal harmony.
The Focal Judge in charge of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, commended the Chief Justice for championing the AJS initiative, noting that it will significantly contribute to reducing case backlog and resolving long-standing and intractable disputes.
Justice Khaukha also applauded the Chief Justice's transformative leadership of the Judiciary, particularly in human capital development, infrastructure expansion, staff welfare and increased funding, which has grown from UGX 199 billion five years ago to over UGX 400 billion today. He described the launch of the AJS pilot as a fitting pre-retirement milestone, following the Chief Justice's leadership in developing the National ADR Policy and launching the Judiciary's Alternative Justice Systems Strategy.
A total of 186 cultural, religious, legal and civil leaders from various chiefdoms and institutions attended the engagement.
Participants resolved to establish AJS Committees within different High Court Circuits to coordinate practitioners, adopt simple registers to enhance accountability and transparency, and submit quarterly reports on the successes and challenges of AJS. Resident Judges were tasked to provide leadership and guidance to the committees, while the ADR Registry and the Focal Judge ADR will offer continued support and follow-up.
The launch was witnessed by the Resident Judge of Gulu High Court, Lady Justice Lillian Omara, the Registrar ADR, HW Justine Atukwasa; Deputy Registrars; HW Zulaika Nanteza (ADR); HW George Ebong (Gulu) and Assistant Registrar HW Dr. Daniel Lubowa. Also present; HW Daniel Bwambale, Senior Principal Magistrate Grade One (ADR); and HW Josephine Nakato, Magistrate Grade One attached to the Judicial Training Institute, among others.
Posted 17th, December 2025
