UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
participants linked with accountability, especially as it applied to the judiciary and
formal prosecutions, as well as the International Crimes Division, which civil society
representatives from northern Uganda claimed should be more representative. 522
Finally, amnesty for followers of rebel leaders was seen as compatible with pursuing
accountability for higher-level perpetrators. 523
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is defined in the Juba Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation
as “the process of restoring broken relationships and re-establishing harmony.” 524 The
Agreement states that;
“Parties shall promote appropriate reconciliation
mechanisms to address issues arising from within or
outside Uganda with respect to the conflict. [They] shall
promote collective as well as individual acts, and processes
of reconciliation shall be promoted at all levels. Truthseeking
and truth-telling processes and mechanisms shall
be promoted.” 525
The Need for Reconciliation
An overall consensus emerged in focus group discussions and key informant interviews
alike, that there is a pressing need in Uganda for reconciliation at the local, regional, and
national levels. Many believe that if conflicts that have plagued the country during both
pre- and post-independence periods are not addressed through reconciliation, sustainable
peace will remain elusive. 526 One participant said that unresolved issues amount to “a
time bomb ready to burst.” 527 While reconciliation contributes to peace-building and
national unity, it must be regarded as an incremental process. 528 Participants argued that
reconciliation can only take place in a climate devoid of fear and must include both state
and non-state actors. 529 They further underscored that high-level political leaders have a
role to play and encouraged them to speak the language of reconciliation. 530 Concretely,
participants in Kasese called for the initiation of a national reconciliation process through
the adoption of legislation such as the National Truth and Reconciliation Bill proposed by
civil society (see Annex), 531 while individuals in Pader pressed for a national stakeholder
conference or forum. 532 Across the country, communities emphasized the need for a
national law and a national policy to promote reconciliation and nation building. 533
522 Minutes from NRTJ Audit Validation on Workshop, 28 August 2012
523 Research conducted in Mukono District
524 Juba Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation (2007), Clause 1
525 Juba Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation (2007), Clauses 7.1-7.3
526 Research conducted in Gulu, Adjumani, Mukono, Hoima and Kasese Districts
527 Research conducted in Kitgum District
528 Research conducted in Gulu District
529 Research conducted in Gulu District
530 Research conducted in Arua District
531 Research conducted in Kasese District
532 Research conducted in Pader District
533 Research conducted in all districts
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