UGANDA

COMPENDIUM OF CONFLICTS IN UGANDA
in reconciling aggrieved
parties through dialogue,
rituals, ceremonies and
compensation, participants
argued that they are rarely
in a position to be very
effective today due to a lack
of political will. Traditional
institutions, such as the
Omukama of Bunyoro, are
weak and Government
support is minimal. 546
For this reason, some
districts called for more
and not less Government
involvement in bringing
perpetrators to victimised
communities and
facilitating reconciliation
on a regional and national
level. 547 One civil society
representative from
Kitgum said, “We cannot
push the Government
aside in reconciliation.
Government and [civil
society organizations]
and people should come
together.” 548
Participants additionally
noted that existing
community cultural
associations should be strengthened in order to foster reconciliation and promote
harmony, including among members of the diaspora. 549 In addition to the role of
cultural leaders, participants raised the possibility of involving religious leaders as well
as mediators and other third parties. 550 The established ‘Family Protection Units’ of the
police were also cited as important actors in promoting reconciliation at the household
level. 551
Participants referred to a variety of other mechanisms they saw as useful for advancing
reconciliation. Some requested apologies from the perpetrators or their families so that
546 Research conducted in Hoima District
547 Research conducted in Nakapiripirit and Mubende Districts
548 Minutes from northern region discussion at the NRTJ Audit Validation Workshop, 28 August 2012
549 Research conducted in Bundibugyo District
550 Research conducted in Arua, Kitgum and Mukono District
551 Research conducted in Tororo District
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